Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Palestinian Authority has described the murder of Shireen as an execution and it is difficult to argue with this conclusion. She was one of four journalists in a car, each clearly wearing a blue flak jacket and helmet identifying them as journalists. They were fired upon by Israeli forces without the slightest provocation. This attack is part of an ongoing attempt by the Israelis to obscure the truth and reality of its occupation of the Palestinian territories. This is a war crime and it should be investigated as such. I join the Minister today in condemnation of the attack but condemnation without consequence is absolutely futile. The Russian violence towards Ukraine has led to sanctions being imposed, but on the other hand Israel acts with impunity. The eyes of the world were on Shireen's funeral but Israeli forces still attacked it. Why was that? It was because Israel knew there would be no consequences for its actions. This has to change.

In 2019, when I was mayor of South Dublin County Council I opened a book of condolences for the murder of journalist Lyra McKee. I remember how deeply her senseless murder affected me. Lyra will be remembered as an exceptionally talented journalist, an advocate with a deep sense of social justice and a campaigner for equal rights. Those who brutally took her life are in complete contrast to how Lyra lived. As a nation we strive for a peaceful future that has no place for violence. Those who took Lyra's life have no place in our society.

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