Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

What I saw when I worked in the Gaza Strip were the horrors of life in an open-air prison. Now the Gaza Strip is being turned into an open-air morgue. Bodies are piling higher and higher and apartheid Israel is bombing schools, hospitals and churches. Some 88 UN aid workers have been murdered by Israeli bombs. Over 4,000 children have been brutally murdered. A child is murdered by Israel every ten minutes. We are watching some of the worst war crimes of the 21st century take place and the world is standing by. Even worse, many in the EU are supporting and standing by Israel as it carries out these horrific war crimes. The Irish Government needs to go beyond words and make Israel face consequences for its terror. The Government is speaking out of both sides of its mouth and it is because it is not taking action against Israel. The Irish Government hints at criticism of Israel, yet the Israeli ambassador thanked the EU for the solidarity shown towards Israel. This, as members of the EU, includes Ireland. The Government refuses to hold Israel to account. Why are there no consequences for the slaughter of children by Israel? When will the Government pass the occupied territories Bill? The following is not a huge ask. When will we recognise the state of Palestine and when will we pass the illegal Israeli settlements Bill? There are reports that Irish citizens will be the last on the list to be allowed out of the Gaza Strip by Israel. Can the Minister of State clarify if this is the case? If it is, what will the Government do about it to ensure that Ireland is not last on the list?

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