Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

Deputy Ó Snodaigh's comments on this issue have never been that constructive. They have, in fact, been divisive. Such division will do nothing to solve the problem.

Will the Minister relate to the House what the Israeli ambassador said with regard to the killings that took place yesterday? Did the ambassador provide any information in respect of the circumstances relating to those killings?

What measures are open to the Minister if Israel continues to ignore the international community's calls for the blockade to be lifted? Will the Minister make a request to the Israeli authorities to allow Ireland to send an official aid convoy, carrying much needed supplies, to Gaza? Will he join me in commending Turkey on the restraint it has shown? As a nation and in the context of its foreign policy, Turkey has made many advances in the past decade. It is to be commended on the restraint it has shown to date in respect of this matter.

Will the Minister use whatever means are available to him to seek the release of Corporal Gilad Shalit? Corporal Shalit is being held by Hamas in Gaza and I call on that organisation to release him immediately. Perhaps the Minister might answer the questions I have posed.

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