Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Howlin. As he correctly pointed out, the news over the past number of days has been distressing. We saw a terrorist attack in the first instance. The Deputy spoke about an Irish citizen and I can confirm we are providing consular assistance directly to the family in question. We are liaising with the Israeli authorities but I have no further update on that. It is common practice in the Department of Foreign Affairs not to go into the detail of specific consular cases but we can assure the Deputy we are working very closely with the family, as we are with all our citizens in the region whom we have advised to check in with the embassy.

Regarding the attack on the Supernova festival, hundreds of children were present there on very flat land with no buildings or shelter. We have seen the horrific circumstances that occurred. We have to work hard now and call for a de-escalation. We are very clear about the right of the Israeli state to defend itself but that must also be proportionate and fully in line with international humanitarian law. It must reflect that we are talking about Gaza, an area approximately 42 km in length, 12 km at its widest point and one of the most densely populated areas in the world. It must also reflect the circumstances that surround any decision made to launch an attack there and that civilian lives are in danger. We are appealing for a de-escalation and have done so through the Foreign Affairs Council. The Tánaiste has had a number of meetings in the past few days in which he called for this, with his counterparts in Jordan and the Palestinian Authority, and we will continue to do that.

We need to ensure a siege with loss of life does not happen because that would be catastrophic. The bombing of the corridor to Egypt exacerbates what potentially could happen here. We have to focus on giving more aid through the competent authorities and by working with the UN and NGOs. Approximately 80% of Palestinian citizens rely on aid for their public services, schools, clean water, and all the key things that keep society functioning in some shape or form under very stressful and difficult circumstances. We will continue to do that and be that voice.