Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to all who have lost their loved ones in recent days. Excruciating pain resounds across the world as we watch in utter despair at the sheer destruction unfolding. Over the last days, my office has received thousands of emails from people across Ireland as has every Member of this House. I want to take the opportunity to state my full and unwavering support for the innocent people of Palestine and to condemn the actions of Hamas. I also unequivocally condemn the genocide by Israel.

The senseless attack on a hospital in Gaza last night has shown the real intention of Israel is to wipe out Palestine. Some of the statements in recent days from Israeli leaders have been absolutely appalling and, bluntly, repulsive with the Israeli defence minister comparing the people of Palestine to animals. I was also disgusted by the remarks from President von der Leyen last week. Her tacit endorsement of the Israeli regime, especially in the shadow of what happened last night, will not be forgotten soon by the people of this island. As part of the international community, it is our role and duty to hold regimes in the commission of war crimes accountable. I ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs formally summon the Israeli ambassador to answer for the significant breaches of the fourth Geneva Convention that have been and continue to be committed by his state. Without question, what is needed is a humanitarian ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors. We should leverage everything we have to make that happen. I call on the Irish Government to immediately implement sanctions on trade with Israel and to press for the International Criminal Court to exercise its jurisdiction over the occupied territories and to hold those responsible for these atrocities accountable.

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