Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As Deputy Howlin has said, over the past 11 days, we have all been shocked and horrified to watch the unfolding violence in Israel and Gaza. Indeed, it has shocked the world. Last week, we in the Labour Party condemned the horrific killing by Hamas of so many Israeli civilians, including women and children and, of course, the Irish citizen, Kim Damti, and the young daughter of an Irish citizen, Emily Hand. Since then, we have seen the horrific escalation of violence and an increasing death toll among civilians in Gaza as Israel has engaged in clear and egregious breaches of international law, which have brought about thousands of civilian deaths, again of women and children, in Gaza with the bombardment of residential areas, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, the besiegement and starvation of communities in Gaza and the forced displacement and evacuations. Last night's atrocity on the Gaza hospital brought home to us all the shocking reality of what is happening and how much worse it can and may get. Israel must be called to account for war crimes and breaches of international law.

While there is much to commend in the Government motion, and I thank the Tánaiste for his engagement, it has been strengthened by engagement with Opposition parties. It is welcome to see so much in it with which we can all agree. However, the Labour Party has put down amendments. We are seeking to see in this motion a clear condemnation of Israel actions in breach of international law. We are seeking a call for the International Criminal Court to conduct an independent investigation into the atrocity in the hospital last night and condemnation of the actions of the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, in appearing to offer unqualified support for Israel without any requirement that it comply with international law. We are looking also, in our amendments, for recognition of the state of Palestine and support for the occupied territories Bill.

We believe, as Deputy Howlin said, that Ireland can play a significant role in seeking, crucially, the immediate ceasefire that we all in this House want to see happen in the interest of the civilians both in Gaza and, indeed, in Israel who have suffered so much already.

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