Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I was struck by the forcefulness of the Minister's language in reply to other questions, especially on Hungary and Belarus. He talked about human rights and core principles. Quite clearly, the policy of Israel has gone beyond all core principles. The Human Rights Watch report, A Threshold Crossed: Israeli Authorities and the Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution, published in April, details in the strongest language possible the crimes against humanity, persecution and apartheid, that Israeli authorities are committing against millions of Palestinians.

The Minister referred to the new Israeli Government taking power on 12 June. After it took power, significantly, on 15 June, there was a second round of air strikes against Gaza. I specifically ask the Minister what forceful action he is taking. I appreciate his bona fides and hard work on this matter, but as we talk and use words people are dying on the streets of Gaza. I have the details, as does the Minister. The ambassador from Palestine has filled all of us in on this. What action is the Minister taking, in view of the trade between Europe and Israel?

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