Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

We have actively promoted the Palestinian cause at EU and UN levels and will continue to do so. Ultimately, a two-state solution will be required and all parties will have to live in harmony.

I am pleased to report that UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, this week informed the UN Security Council that he intends to appoint a panel of investigators to examine certain incidents which occurred in Gaza during the recent conflict and to report to the Security Council. Although the terms of reference of the panel are not yet available, it appears the investigators will focus on three separate attacks on UN facilities, namely, the shelling of areas adjacent to two UN schools on 6 January and of UNRWA headquarters on 15 January and, in this context, the killing and injuring of civilians. That represents progress in terms of an international investigation into allegations of breaches of the Geneva Convention and humanitarian law. I would equally point out that Hamas was in breach of the Geneva Convention by indiscriminately firing rockets into a civilian population.

I agree the blockade should be lifted. The ongoing Egyptian brokered talks are the key to progress at this point in time and we are supportive of the efforts of the Egyptian Government and others.

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