Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want first to offer my sincere condolences to the families, friends and co-workers of Shireen Abu Akleh. We know in this House that the Israeli Government and its so-called defence forces are no strangers to hiding the truth of the cruel and inhumane crimes that they perpetrate upon the Palestinian people on a daily basis. They have executed a Palestinian reporter for Al Jazeera for factually reporting news of a raid by Israeli forces on the Jenin refugee camp. It is simply wrong. This level of aggression towards a clearly identified journalist who was travelling together with other journalists - they were wearing the internationally known blue helmets and flak jackets - is simply a war crime. The international community must call on Israel to be held to account for its actions.

Shireen Abu Akleh was shot execution-style with a single bullet to the face which Al Jazeera claims was fired by an Israeli sniper. Given the circumstances, this is hard to argue against. This was not an unfortunate journalist who died while reporting from a war zone and was tragically killed in the crossfire from both sides of a conflict. It was murder at the hands of the Israeli regime. She was clearly identifiable and identified as a journalist. Yet again, Israel has shown its oppressive nature and its disregard for human life. Action must be taken and taken now. The people of Palestine and indeed those in other areas of the world suffering through occupation and war must wish those oppressing them were treated in the same manner as the Russian people and its government in the war in Ukraine.

The Government must use its position on the UN Security Council to bring about sanctions on the Israeli defence force, IDF. The Minister, Deputy Coveney, needs to offer more than empty rhetoric.

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