Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach correctly stated last week that the targeting of Palestinian civilians, cutting off water, food and medicines and the destruction of civilian infrastructure are grave breaches of international law. He described Israel's bombardment of Gaza as collective punishment and he was right. More than 3,000 Palestinians, including 1,000 children, have been killed so far. Thousands more have been injured and 600,000 people have been displaced. The people of Gaza, a refugee population, are running out of food, water, fuel and electricity. As the wrath of one of the world's most ferocious military forces is unleashed upon them, as their homes and neighbourhoods are decimated by Israel's carpet bombing, Gaza's civilians are left with nowhere to shelter or run and with no way out.

Israel's actions are not defensive. They are an offensive attack against a beleaguered and impoverished civilian population. It is the horrible crescendo of occupation, annexation and apartheid. This is not defence. These are crimes against human rights perpetrated in full view of the world. If we do not call it what it is, if the international community does not stand unified against it, then history will record this as the defining failure of our generation. Our children and grandchildren will ask us how this was allowed to happen. Peace and justice demand that Gaza does not become the graveyard of international law. Israel's blockade must end. The bombardment of Gaza must stop and ceasefires must be called. Hostages must be released and space must be created for dialogue.

Caithfear deireadh a chur le héagóir chruálach Iosrael agus bombardú ar Gaza. Ní mór don Aontas Eorpach a bheith mar phríomghuth ar son sos cogaidh, comhrá agus dlí idirnáisiúnta. Ending the bombardment of Gaza and stopping the violence must be the priority.

In my view, that should be the position of the Dáil. It should also be the unified approach of the EU.

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