Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In contrast to the 2009 conflict, no hard evidence has emerged to suggest that Israel used non-conventional weapons in Gaza in November 2012. While claims of this kind have been made, there has been no statement by UN organisations or reputable NGOs on the ground alleging the use of non-conventional weapons.

I have not seen any allegation to this effect from the de factoministry of health in Gaza. As the Hamas authorities were one of the parties to the conflict, it would, of course, be desirable to have independent evidence of any such allegation. European and other diplomatic missions in the region, including those with professional military attachés, closely monitored the reports on the conflict and detected no suggestion of non-conventional weapons being used. There is, therefore, no basis on which to consider the international investigation the Deputy proposes.

Many observers can be shocked and misled by the dreadful injuries which modern conventional weapons are capable of inflicting. Ireland has stressed repeatedly, both internationally and directly, to the Israeli authorities that the use of conventional heavy weapons in a crowded and built-up area inherently risks serious and unacceptable harm to innocent parties, as has again turned out to be the case. The legitimate right of self-defence must be exercised in conjunction with the rights of others and the need to clearly distinguish military targets and avoid civilian casualties. It goes without saying that this should also apply to the deliberate firing of weapons by Hamas and others at civilian targets in Israel and the siting of weapons in civilian areas.

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