Dáil debates
Thursday, 15 June 2023
Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions
Middle East
9:20 am
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source
I share the Deputy's revulsion at what has happened. Thirty-five people were wounded, including 20 by live bullets. Two people reportedly suffered serious abdominal wounds, while another was hit in the head by a rubber-coated metal bullet. The family apartment was on the first floor of a four-storey building. Its destruction has displaced the parents and four sisters of the accused. This may amount to collective punishment. It is collective punishment, which is a war crime under international law. Ireland has taken a principled and strong stance on the broader Israel-Palestinian issue for a long period and it has been consistent. We work with other European countries, especially like-minded member states, to see whether we can get a stronger position in respect of this, and to try to create conditions and a framework for a meaningful and viable two-state solution. It seems to me that solution, as this kind of activity continues, is receding.
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