Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In the context of the programme for Government, it is important that in the conduct of our foreign policy we are clear and unambiguous in our response to atrocities when they are committed. We must unreservedly condemn the killing of up to 60 Palestinians, including children, and the injuring of 1,200, including journalists and health care workers. The Israeli response to the mass protests in Gaza was wholly disproportionate and counterproductive in terms of undermining any prospect, however faint, of a peace process emerging.

I appreciate the Tánaiste's efforts in bringing in the Israeli ambassador to convey our condemnation of the behaviour of the Israeli forces and the Israeli Government. While we support the establishment of a UN inquiry, we note that the US Government has expressed its opposition to such an inquiry. I understand it could veto the establishment of an inquiry. It is important for any inquiry to be protected. Given what happened previously, the personnel involved in the inquiry should be supported and protected. The programme for Government talks about "our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine". Essentially, the decision that led to the opening of the embassy yesterday represents an attempt to shape the eventual outcome, if there is ever to be an outcome, of a Palestinian settlement. The Dáil will have to consider this matter in light of what has happened and the way things are going.

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