John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister’s comprehensive response to this serious issue. It is appropriate there are several former Israeli soldiers, Breaking the Silence, in Dublin today who gave a presentation as to how they were forced to treat Palestinians and violate their human rights. Ireland never stands idly by and always opposes the violation of human rights. The chances of Israel paying any attention to us, however, are remote when it is already in breach of over 90 UN and UN Security Council resolutions. It is important, none the less, that we make it known to the Israeli ambassador to Ireland and the Israeli Government that we will not tolerate the force-feeding of hunger strikers and the detention of individuals without charge. From the information I received today, I note some of those hunger strikers, even though they are critically ill, are being constantly asked to eat. When they refuse, their guards eat the food in front of them. It is appalling what is happening in these hospitals in Israel.

I condemn the recent abduction of three Israeli students and hope they are returned safely. I condemn all violence from all sides. The history of violence against Palestinians by Israeli forces has been well-documented by various Ministers for Foreign Affairs, from Deputy Martin to Deputy Gilmore and others. I am happy the Minister of State, in her response, condemned what Israel is doing. However, we need to be steadfast in our support of human rights. People have a right to protest without being arrested, shackled to their beds and being force-fed. If the legislation in question is passed in the Knesset, it should be condemned.

See this speech in context