Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Many statements have been made, but it is interesting that an article in the Jerusalem Post reported that prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu's Government has an undeclared, but de facto, policy of not letting senior political figures, such as foreign ministers, enter the Gaza strip from Israel. That would appear to be the position. I gave the Deputy both reasons, one of which is Israel's view that a visit to Gaza gives some legitimacy to Hamas. I do not believe that is acceptable. We made inquiries in terms of our requests to facilitate a visit to Gaza. I intend to pursue the matter further.

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