Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Sinn Féin stands firmly in support of Palestine and the Palestinian people. On this island, we have faced centuries-long struggle and oppression endured over 800 years. Our history has taught us at first hand the harsh realities of being under the rule of a foreign oppressor that believes it has a right to seize our land. It is not difficult, therefore, to draw significant parallels between the actions of the British empire and those of the Israeli state today, such as the brutal tactics of burning homes, committing murders, forcibly displacing people from their land and oppressing people.

Recent events in Jenin are a powerful reminder of the inhumanity displayed by the Israeli Government and its forces. Jenin, a city in the West Bank, has experienced another tragic chapter in its history, marked by the devastating consequences of Israeli armed military operations. Disturbing reports have emerged depicting widespread destruction, the loss of life and mass displacement, painting a grim picture of the challenges faced by the Palestinian people. The Israeli forces destroyed all the infrastructure, including electricity, sewerage, water and roads. This was not an action just to get at so-called combatants; it was directed at the Palestinian people of Jenin. The acts of violence and aggression are a cycle that keeps going.

Sinn Féin strongly condemns the use of force and the blatant violation of human rights in Jenin and throughout Palestine for the past 75 years. We firmly believe in self-determination and justice for all, including the Palestinian population. This is a commitment to advocating for marginalised populations, their rights and their dignity, calling for an end to the ongoing occupation, and striving for a peaceful resolution that will uphold international law and respect human rights. Sinn Féin urges the international community to adopt a moral and principled stance, holding the Israeli state accountable for its actions. The Israeli state is an apartheid state. We all recall what happened in South Africa. That cannot be allowed to continue in Palestine.

Deputy Higgins outlined a tragic story in her experience. I ask her and all the Government Deputies to stand with Sinn Féin and the other Opposition parties in support of the Palestinian people. As we say on the marches, free, free Palestine.

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