Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

The State is absolutely opposed to Israel's use of aerial weapons in attacks on Gaza. These inevitably lead, as they have done, to uninvolved civilians being injured or killed. We have also been critical of Israel for not taking political initiatives to try to end the cycle of violence by reaching a comprehensive peace. We must recognise, however, that firing is taking place in both directions. While Hamas and others in Gaza continue to fire rockets and mortars at what are clearly civilian targets, Israel will inevitably defend itself. Clearly, this cannot be done indiscriminately or disproportionately. I do not have any hesitation in condemning attacks in whatever direction which kill civilians. As I stated, the blockade that has been imposed is absolutely unacceptable and it is an issue to which I am giving priority.

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