Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

What is happening now in Gaza following the brutal attacks by Hamas a month ago is truly shocking. Daily Israeli bombardments have resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians, including many children, which is clearly a breach of international law. It is a humanitarian catastrophe and we must do everything possible to bring it to an end. The European Council struggled to agree a compromise wording on the situation. Ireland was right to look for a ceasefire but the final statement included a call for a humanitarian pause. There is now talk internationally of humanitarian pauses and corridors and we need to push strongly for this. We need to get vital aid and supplies into Gaza.

I refer to the Spanish proposal at the summit for an international peace conference to be established within six months. In my view, the international community has neglected its responsibility to bring about a just and lasting two-state solution in the region. It has tolerated, normalised and managed the status quo for far too long. Needless to say, any final solution would have to be acceptable to both sides. Is the Council's call for a peace conference something Ireland will actively promote?

The war in Ukraine is becoming more protracted. As we enter another winter, Russian air strikes are hitting Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure. EU leaders rightly pledged to continue to provide strong financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it lasts. This is despite the contrary view put forward by the populist Prime Ministers of Hungary and Slovakia.

In this context, I welcome the announcement by the European Commission today regarding the opening of formal membership talks with Ukraine. Is the Taoiseach hopeful the December European Council meeting will sign off on this recommendation by the Commission in respect of Ukraine's application to join the EU?

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