Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join other members in sending our condolences to the families of the Irish citizens who were killed and to the victims of the war in Palestine and Israel so far.

Many people do not quite understand the difference between Hamas and ordinary Palestinians. Getting the Tánaiste’s insight into what is happening in the conflict has been helpful. There is a great deal of information in the media and many of us get our information from Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, but much of that is inaccurate. As such, it is important for us to figure out how to get the facts on the ground. I would encourage members to share the Tánaiste’s statements on what is happening and his view on same. From the start, the Tánaiste’s language has been moderate. He asked for proportionality. The language he is using to address the conflict has been taken up and followed around Europe.

On 7 October, the situation changed significantly. It is reported that Hamas had been planning the attack for two years. Just imagine the resources and planning that went into making their way into Israel and committing these barbaric attacks on young people. Young people, including children, are the victims in all wars. The Tánaiste mentioned how 20,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted by the Russians. Children in Israel and Palestine are being affected. There is intergenerational trauma in the Palestinian and Israeli psyches.

We are on the periphery, so what can we do? It is great that the Government has a role and that people are talking to Ireland Inc. to get our view on the situation, but what is the path? Are there high-level discussions with Hamas? Can someone talk to the terrorists? Is there a path to a ceasefire? We are a small committee, but what can we do? Can we address the language used in the discourse to try to avoid an escalation in the conflict in the Middle East and more contagion? The borders with Lebanon and the West Bank are already seeing outbreaks of violence. It does not look good.

I do not believe that those who committed the 7 October attack did not know what they were doing. They knew exactly the backlash that would occur. This attack will change the landscape and the timeline of the Middle East for the next decade. It is worrying, especially for the citizens.

I do not have particular questions, but from an international perspective, will the Tánaiste provide an update on ceasefire talks, humanitarian corridor talks or sideline talks? What can we do? People watching this debate would like to help. We are a peaceful nation.

In some ways we probably identify with the Palestinians in the ways we were taken on. I totally understand that. I also understand that a state has a right to defend its citizens. On 7 October, 1,400 people were killed in a brutal attack. What should the Israelis do?