Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to repeat the Government's condemnation of the violence that has occurred between Israel and Gaza. Our view is that the Israeli Defence Forces have used disproportionate force in using live ammunition against civilians and thereby causing numerous deaths, including the deaths of young people and children. The Tánaiste called the Israeli ambassador into the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Iveagh House this morning to advise him of the Government's concerns and of our strong objections to what is happening in the Middle East. We strongly support the UN Secretary General's call for an independent inquiry. This matter will be discussed at the EU Council summit tomorrow and in Sofia the following day. The programme for Government clearly states that we will "honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine" when such a state exists, which of course requires a peace settlement.

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