Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 28 November 2023

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence

Estimates for Public Services 2023
Vote 27 - International Co-operation (Supplementary)
Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs (Supplementary)

Photo of Seán FlemingSeán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The high number of civilian casualties is deeply shocking and needs to be criticised outright. We have been clear in that. Israel has a right to protect itself but that is not an unfettered right. It must do so in line with international humanitarian law. It is essential that it does that. We continually remind Israel of its international legal obligations. As people know, the International Criminal Court is already examining various matters relating to Israel and Palestine. It has specifically stated that includes events since 7 October. The International Criminal Court is currently examining the particular point the Deputy rightly made together with other issues in other parts of the world. We have insisted that the court be allowed do its work. It has strong sanctions and is the place for these matters to be ultimately adjudicated on. I hope and expect that will happen.