Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

As Senator Ivana Bacik said, there is a very positive role the EU can play in the resolution of the crisis in Gaza and, particularly, a very strong role that Ireland can play as a neutral country, a country that has been strongly supportive, dare I say, of Palestine in playing a very positive role in the resolution of this crisis. I do not accept that the Minister has evidenced any prejudice in this matter.

American President William Taft decided against the US intervening in the Second World War arguing the European war was the product of national and racial animosities that had existed for centuries and would continue to exist for centuries to come.

Ireland has not gone to war in almost 70 years. Europe has not gone to war in almost 70 years. Political scientist, Richard Rose, said of the conflict in Northern Ireland: "Many talk about a solution to Ulster's political problem but few are prepared to say what the problem is. The reason is simple. The problem is there is no solution". There are no solutions to seemingly intractable conflicts until there are, as we know from our experience in Northern Ireland. There needs to be a willingness on the part of both sides to come up with a solution, even if it is less than perfect, and to uphold it.

Undoubtedly, the situation in Israel and Palestine seems insurmountable. Israel, in its view, is surrounded by enemies. Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank feel oppressed by an Israel that far outweighs them militarily. Until we have a solution to the overriding issue of securing both populations - we must acknowledge this is about securing the interests of both populations - and can allow them feel safe from attack in the future, we are going nowhere.

The long-standing position of the Labour Party on the Middle East is informed by three principles: the need for a comprehensive multilateral peace agreement between Israel and Palestine which respects international law; the need to deliver for the Palestinian people a secure, viable and contiguous state of their own; and the recognition of the legitimate interests of the people of Israel to live in peace in peace, prosperity and security with their neighbours.

It is understandable that Israel, which has a right to defend itself from attack, believes that Hamas building tunnels into Gaza is a legitimate threat that should be dealt with. The people of Israel deserve to live without fear of the day that Hamas acquires a truly destructive arsenal in the form of missiles capable of reaching Ben Gurion Airport or, heaven forbid, chemical or nuclear weapons. I believe that day is far off, as do a number of political experts.

Hamas has as its stated goal a mission to destroy Israel, yet both sides know that this is not possible.