Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

I welcome the Minister's reiteration of the principle of collective punishment, as per his description of what is taking place in Gaza. To save time I shall put some quick questions. If the Government recognises that what is taking place constitutes collective punishment, what measures are being taken to ensure compliance with the human rights conditionalities attached to the EU-Israel agreement? Is it not the case that relationships have been deepened without any cognisance being taken of compliance or breach of compliance with the human rights conditionalities?

With regard to the Minister's reference to the Rafah crossing point, is it not the case that the EU as part of its own negotiations in relation to facilitating the crossing, undertook certain procedures which are missing on the ground? Effectively the Rafah crossing is closed.

With regard to the Minister's reference to the takeover of Gaza by Hamas, is it not the case that the international community urged Palestinians to conduct elections, which led to the election of Hamas? It was singularly unhelpful to have proscribed Hamas in advance. Therefore, constructing proposals for peace in the West Bank or dealing with the situation generally and specifically with Abbas to the exclusion of Hamas is not likely to bring progress.

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