Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will begin, as I always do in these important and serious contributions, by condemning unreservedly the actions of Hamas and the war crimes and genocide being perpetrated by Israel. Since I last spoke on this matter in the House, the power to the Al-Shifa Hospital and all hospitals in northern Gaza has been cut. Babies are being taken out of incubators, wrapped in foil and placed next to hot water in a desperate attempt to keep them alive. Not only is this yet another breach of international law in the form of Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, it is also barbaric, inhumane and morally repugnant.

I stood here 24 days ago and called for this case of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity by Israel to be referred to the International Criminal Court so I welcome the motion this evening in that respect. In five weeks, Israel has murdered more than 11,000 people and more than 4,500 children. In the first two weeks, more than 25,000 tonnes of explosives were used and the UN has confirmed that white phosphorous attacks have taken place. People have been murdered indiscriminately, raped and beaten mercilessly. Gaza will go dark on Thursday if fuel continues to be denied.

I welcome the financial contribution to the International Criminal Court announced in the House this afternoon. However, it is not enough. The people of Ireland want considerable action taken and they care less for the differences in this House. I agree with the sentiments expressed by Deputy Connolly in that I too do not think the disagreements in this House are helpful.

There is a suite of measures and actions that can be taken. People are so angered by what they are seeing everywhere at this point that they want to know action is being taken by leadership and that it will be brave, significant and meaningful. I am disgusted that we have not yet acted under Article IX of the genocide convention and Article 14 of the Rome Statute. I implore the Minister of State to heed my words and those of colleagues who have previously spoken this evening to act now, to halt Israel and stop it from getting away with genocide. We need the hostages to be released and we need a ceasefire now.

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