Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

-----and for innocent victims to flee to the west. The world should put ships on the seas in the Mediterranean to rescue those under attack at this time. As far as the whole region is concerned, Israel's approach is to divide Hamas and Fatah. President Abbas is doing his utmost in this regard but he is not getting recognition. It is rather hypocritical for the Americans to condemn the attacks by Israel and then open their arms stores to provide additional arms, additional ammunition to attack Palestine and Gaza. To my mind, that is extremely hypocritical. I do not understand why our American friends throughout America and Irish-Americans do not take a stand. I note there is 90% support for the Israeli Government within Israel in this regard. As far as I can see this is a fight to the death of innocent victims throughout Gaza and the region. Israel, which has lost 62 or 63 soldiers, and three civilians, has also suffered but it did take action. To be fair and honourable about the situation we must take a stand.

I disagree with the Minister in abstaining in the UN Human Rights Council resolution. That was not a good move. I have declared my interest on particular issues in this House. Everyone who speaks should say if they were involved in different support groups in this House. I disagree totally with the Minister's stand in this regard. There is a change of political direction since the Minister came to the Department which was not there under Eamon Gilmore.