Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change) | Oireachtas source

We have a moral duty in respect of what we are witnessing happening to the Palestinian people right now. The cutting off of food, electricity and water is the definition of a war crime and a collective punishment. It is a clear sign that when one side has the power to shut off the basic needs of the other, that is not a conflict; it is genocide. This is the continuation of a 75-year programme by the Israeli state to remove Palestinians from Palestine. That is genocide. Ireland needs to call this a genocide. If you are not against it, you are for it.

We have seen more than 3,300 Gazans killed so far. Unfortunately, we will see many more in the coming days. There are over 2 million people living in Gaza. The majority are children. More than 1 million children who live in an area less than half the size of Louth are being bombed indiscriminately. The Israelis are striking schools, hospitals and refugee shelters. Every one of those strikes is a war crime.

I condemn all targeting or murdering of civilians or the taking of hostages by Hamas activists or any organisation. I extend my sympathies to all those who have been affected by these killings. The reality is that there is only one side Ireland can put pressure on, and only one side that has the power to end this. We have economic and state ties with Israel. We do not have those with Hamas. If the Government has any real interest in peace, it will recognise that. The Israeli state is the only side with the power to switch off electricity, food, medical supplies and water for Gazans and the only side we have any political, diplomatic or economic ties to leverage towards peace.

Ireland has a historical and moral duty to stand against the Israeli state in what it is doing to the Palestinian people. We must pressure the Israeli Government to immediately end all military action against Palestinians and negotiate a ceasefire, call for the immediate ending of the siege of Gaza, turn back on water, food and electricity, and allow of emergency humanitarian aid into Gaza. Hamas must release the hostages.

Ireland must recognise Palestinian statehood and a right to return for all Palestinians. It must also implement a State programme of boycott, divestment and sanction of the Israeli state until there is a deal for peace in Palestine. We need to pressure the EU to follow suit.

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