Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The actions of Hamas on 7 October were unacceptable and must be condemned by all. The response from Israel must also be condemned because the actions we have seen against 2.5 million people in the largest open-air prison cannot be described as defensive. People are dying in their thousands, yet what we hear on the international stage appears to fall short of appearing like preparations for a ceasefire. We hear the term “unwavering support” for continued military action in Gaza used while, at the same time, more than 3,000 people lie dead, including 1,000 children. People are being forcibly displaced to south of the Wadi Gaza line and water, food and fuel are being denied to a whole population. This is nothing but collective punishment. When the cry of "unwavering support" goes out, it means continue on with your war crimes.

Like Deputy Daly, I will address Deputy Phelan's remarks. How dare he use people's names as he did to attack the Opposition. We all appreciate what has gone on and we all condemn it. Shame on him for using people's names in the way he did.

International law is being breached and the actions that are continuing have the potential to lead to a spread of violence in the region, as we have already seen to some extent. I agree that the acts of Hamas were unjustifiable and they must stop immediately, as the motion calls for. However, calls for restraint on the part of Israel have been hard to come by in many quarters, despite the mounting death toll. For this reason, we have proposed an amendment condemning what people in many quarters have fallen short in condemning, namely, Israel’s brutal assault on the civilian population of Gaza; the forced displacement of Palestinians, in clear breach of international humanitarian law; the cutting off of vital supplies; and the destruction of civilian infrastructure throughout Gaza, which amounts to collective punishment, in contravention of international humanitarian law.

Ireland needs to be a voice for de-escalation, a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, dialogue and international law and the upholding of the UN charter. The backdrop to what we are seeing is decades of occupation, apartheid and the violation of international treaties. A commitment must be given by the international community to assist in achieving the goal of finding a lasting and just peace between Palestine and Israel which involves the end of the illegal occupation and apartheid systems. We can show international leadership at home by recognising the state of Palestine and progressing the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill 2023. For too long, the world has watched and ignored while international law has been breached, illegal settlements built and an apartheid system tolerated. Most immediately, we need all world leaders to buy in to the immediate need for a ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors to end the current madness.

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