Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The death toll in the region has surpassed 200 as we look on in horror at the terrible violence unfolding in the Middle East. I welcome today's statement from the Minister and our commitment of €1.5 million in aid for the region. Our nation is no stranger to violence and mayhem and we are horrified and repulsed by the unfolding violence.

I was heartened to hear the Minister restate our position and it is very clear. We call on both sides to de-escalate and stop the violence. The killing of innocent civilians and children by Israelis is truly appalling and Israeli air strikes in the heart of Gaza killed at least 26 people and destroyed three buildings at the weekend in one of the deadliest attacks since fighting broke out. Ten women and eight children were among those killed in Sunday's attack, with another 50 injured. An Israeli air strike destroyed the offices of the Associated Press and other media outlets. This was an attack on the press itself and the proverbial two fingers to a free press that seeks to expose the horrors unfolding in the region.

The Minister has given us the latest death tallies for the Palestinian people. They are truly shocking statistics. The people of Ireland are repulsed by this violence and are as one in their solidarity with the Palestinian people. It is time for this House to enact the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018, pioneered by Senator Frances Black three years ago and supported by Fianna Fáil and other parties. It seeks a ban on the import of goods from illegal settlements in any occupied territory.

We speak of two sides in this region but, in reality, for the past 70 years, Israel has ruthlessly driven Palestinian families from the region and it has now set its sights on Gaza itself. This nation took a proud lead in the battle against apartheid in South Africa and it was not without significance that the first statue celebrating Nelson Mandela outside South Africa was here in Dublin city.

I am pleased the Minister and our Taoiseach are taking a very strong line on this matter and our statements and actions are not without significance. It is important that we continue to voice our dissent and question the half-hearted reaction of larger and seemingly more influential nations such as the USA. As a nation we must stand shoulder to shoulder with the Palestinian people. Violence on any side is never acceptable but the current Israeli attacks are an affront to decent society and must be called to task. We are a small nation but our forefathers 100 years ago turned to parliaments across the world for recognition of our then infant State; it is time for this House to recognise the Palestinian state.

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