Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I return to the issue of Gaza. Today marks one month since the brutal massacre of civilians in Israel by Hamas. It is a devastating anniversary. Since then, we have seen the brutal bombardment by Israel of the people of Gaza, bringing about 10,000 deaths, including 4,000 children and unprecedented numbers of journalists and aid workers killed so brutally. Our thoughts go to all those bereaved and the family of eight-year-old Emily Hand, presumed abducted by Hamas, the family of Zac Hania and all the Irish citizens trapped in Gaza with no way out. We have worked with the Taoiseach and other parties to secure strong support in the Dáil for a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and the provision of humanitarian aid. In the spirit of that collaboration, I ask that we continue to work with him and that the Government provide Opposition leaders with briefings on the ongoing situation, particularly on the plight of the Irish citizens who have been so severely impacted there but also the attempts at European level to draw support for the crucial call for an immediate ceasefire so that the killings of children will stop.

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