Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I have paid particular attention to the worsening conditions in Gaza, even before the conflict one year ago. I have stressed the humanitarian needs of the population and urgent necessity to end the blockade and open the border crossings not only to unrestricted humanitarian aid, but also to reconstruction materials and ordinary commercial traffic.

While the blockade of Gaza is unacceptable in itself, it is also politically counter-productive. It enriches militants through their control of smuggling but prevents ordinary citizens from rebuilding their homes and businesses. Virtually no reconstruction has been possible and families have been unable to rebuild their homes or even replace windows and doors. Economic life is virtually impossible so that an ever growing population is almost entirely dependent on outside aid.

The continuing blockade of Gaza is, in this sense, the collective punishment of a population of 1.5 million for the unacceptable actions of a small minority in their midst in launching indiscriminate and deadly attacks into Israel. It is also difficult to understand the reason, in periods such as now when the level of such attacks has been greatly reduced or minimised, the blockade continues unchanged.

I discuss these issues regularly with my European Union colleagues. The Foreign Affairs Council in December adopted detailed conclusions on the Middle East, including clear language on Gaza and the need for an immediate and unconditional opening of the crossing points. High Representative Ashton has responsibility under the Lisbon treaty for clearly articulating the European Union viewpoint on the Middle East and the need for urgent progress towards a negotiated two state solution.

It has always been my intention to visit Gaza and see the problems there for myself. I also wish to see the impact and effectiveness of the substantial assistance we give to Gaza from Irish Aid. My interest in a visit was only strengthened by the disastrous course of events in Gaza over the past year. I sought to make a visit last December which would have included Gaza as well as Israel and the West Bank. As Deputies know, the Israeli authorities refused to allow me permission to cross into Gaza. Israel contends that a visit to Gaza would serve to legitimise Hamas, irrespective of whether meetings with Hamas representatives took place. I continue to find this explanation unconvincing.

It is clear the Israeli authorities are refusing all political level visits to Gaza at this time. Supposed security considerations have also been cited. This is a matter of deep disappointment and concern to me. It is still my intention to make such a visit and I hope to be given a positive response in future. However, the main issue for me remains the unacceptable restrictions placed on the people of Gaza.

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