Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The witnesses mentioned the American ambassador to Israel. Does the United States have a representative in Ramallah? The committee and I have met delegations from non-governmental organisations, NGOs, and civil society from Israel who are as critical as the witnesses of their government. There is a need for those voices in Israel and Palestine, who want to see democracy and respect for human rights, to come together.

I acknowledge the resilience of the Palestinian people I have met and how they keep going. The development in Ramallah is an example, probably a bit too much, although I can understand the reason for it. I went to Nablus for the first time where human life goes on in spite of everything. We have to be positive about how the Palestinian people are living their lives and getting on with work, education and family life.