Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses and thank Dr. Sabella for his presentation, which provides a clear view of the Palestinian position. Dr. Sabella stated that young people in Palestine are in despair. I fully understand the reason that would be the case because, as the years go by, the possibility of a two-state solution appears to be disappearing. Every day, the settlements expand and the chaos in Gaza worsens. Gaza is more than a cause of despair, as it is difficult to see how it can ever be addressed. I can see that it is in Israel's interest to allow the political impasse to continue indefinitely while it gradually increases its hold. Even in Jerusalem, the incident at Al-Aqsa mosque is symptomatic of Israel's attempts to increase its grasp on the city, including by buying up property. It is difficult to determine what the Israelis want. Do they want a two-state solution?

How does one break the impasse and bring Israel back to the table? Dr. Sabella stated that Europe should do more and should recognise the Palestinian State. Israel's response to the measure taken on the labelling of products was to stop talking to the European Union. If we were to decide tomorrow to recognise the Palestinian State, would that decision make Israel talk to us? I ask this question because I am puzzled.

I am very interested in the war in Syria, which brings something new to the equation. Dr. Sabella expressed concern about the growth in religious identity. Could this development be used to bring Israel to talks? The Palestinian question has been used by sympathisers of ISIL, albeit not by ISIL itself, almost as a justification for the growth of ISIL. Does this provide an opening? The Syrian war is consuming the Western world, which has taken its eye off the Palestinian question. Can a connection be found that could be used to bring people back to the negotiating table? I know this is a big question but perhaps Dr. Sabella will give us his thoughts on it.