Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There are times when mere words just seem futile and this is one of them. If we think of the millions of words that have been spoken, written, screamed or whispered in agony about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, those words seem to have evaporated and hold no weight. If we think of the billions of words used to negotiate one peace effort after another and one UN resolution after another for so many years to no effect, they too have disappeared.

Yet tonight, I suppose that words are all we have at our disposal. Despite feeling helpless, we must never be hopeless. Despite the rage and fury at the never-ending cycle of violence, we have to choose our words carefully. We must not inflame but dampen down, not attack but defend and protect in any way we can the innocent people on both sides who find themselves in this maelstrom of horror and terror.

Tonight we are speaking to a Government motion and a number of amendments. I support this motion because I believe it is balanced. Some of the amendments might refine it in a more positive way, particularly those tabled by Deputy Duncan Smith, but the motion as it stands seeks to apportion blame where it should and responsibility for further actions where it should in a strong and straightforward way, with the protection of innocent civilians as its core objective.

I am proud that Ireland has echoed the call of the UN Secretary General for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. That, alongside the unconditional release of all hostages, might provide some grounds to avoid a humanitarian disaster and a wider war. The dogs of war are straining at the leash. There are those, not only on both sides of this conflict but elsewhere as well, who would walk us straight into terror. We, by any words we can utter or actions we take, must do everything to avoid that. In the context of words that should not be spoken, I want to share my disappointment and real annoyance at the President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Hungarian ambassador, whose words were most damaging.

My final words are to remind people that the Gaza Strip is approximately a quarter the size of County Leitrim, with 65 times the population of the latter. Any bombing or land invasion of Gaza would be unconscionable. I call on our friends in the US to do all in their power to avoid this.

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