Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke. I welcome the recent European Council statement reiterating its resolute condemnation of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and reaffirming the EU's unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and its inherent right of self-defence against Russian aggression.

This House and country has been extremely forthright in its condemnation of the actions of Israel as it wages a disproportionate and unacceptable war of vengeance on the people of Gaza. I appreciate that the European Council reiterated its condemnation of Hamas for its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel. The use of civilians as human shields by Hamas is a particularly deplorable atrocity. However, it is regrettable and disappointing that the Council's statement on Israel was much more measured and yet again emphasised Israel's right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law. However, the reality is that as Israel wages one of the most vindictive, aggressive, and unacceptable wars of attrition, there is no wafer thin defence now existing for Israel's action and its abhorrent and indiscriminate attacks on the people of Gaza must stop immediately.

On a personal level, the presence of the Israeli ambassador at the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis did not sit well with me. However, I nonetheless accept and understand the right and need for 40 plus heads of diplomatic offices to attend the event and hear the address of our party leader and Tánaiste, Deputy Micheál Martin. The Israeli ambassador was one of more than 40 ambassadors in attendance, including the Palestinian ambassador, and it is crucially important that we retain and continue diplomatic ties with all countries. As always, An Tánaiste, Deputy Martin, was forthright in his condemnation of Israeli actions and his views and sentiments were echoed and shared by the entire audience at this year's Ard-Fheis.

The loss of life in the Middle East as a result of the incessant and unrelenting Israeli bombings and attacks is grossly offensive. It flies in the face of all international laws and indeed spits in the face of all modern democracies. Through its actions, Israel is fast attaining the status of a pariah nation within the international community. Token talk of short-term humanitarian breaks in these attacks is currying little favour and merely adds to the country's billing as one of the most ruthless, indiscriminate aggressors in the world.

It was important that the ambassador was in the auditorium at the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis to hear the Tánaiste's outright condemnation of these continuing attacks. It is important too that we retain contact with the Israeli Government through its ambassador in Dublin to ensure the release of Irish citizens who are still held in Gaza. These people, all innocent, young and old, were kidnapped by Hamas but the unrelenting reprisal attacks from Israel have surely delayed their release. It is important to point out that it would also be deeply reprehensible and unforgivable if we thought that the much awaited evacuation of Irish citizens from Gaza was being delayed by Israel as a result of our country's forthright stance on its actions at this time.

We have been a strong voice for Europe in this country. We share many of the Continent's goals and aspirations with great passion and conviction but neither are we afraid at this time to encourage our European cousins to join us in outright and unconditional condemnation of the ongoing Israeli actions and to demand without hesitation an immediate ceasefire, immediate and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid and the release of all prisoners.

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