Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----to be observed by all sides so the killing can stop, aid can get in, hostages can be released and our citizens can get out. We also need a new peace process, one that ensures Palestinians control Gaza once this phase of the conflict is over and one that is based on a two-state solution. We do not have agreement at EU level when it comes to much in relation to this conflict, but we do at long last have clear agreement from all EU member states that there should be a two-state solution.

For far too long, European countries and the European Union have been willing to aid the Palestinians and trade with the Israelis without pressing either side to do what it needs to do. When this phase of the conflict is over, we need a more active approach from the European Union, pushing for a two-state solution, saying to the Palestinians that we are not going to continue to give them aid if they do not respect democracy and human rights and crack down on terrorism, and saying to the Israelis that we are not willing to continue to trade with them in the way we do if they are not willing to be serious about a two-state solution and about allowing the Palestinians the right to have the state they need and deserve.

In terms of the Irish citizens the Deputy mentioned, I can confirm that a first group of Irish citizens and their dependants have been cleared to exit through the Rafah crossing into Egypt today. Arrangements are in place for staff from the Irish embassy in Cairo to meet them and to provide them with consular assistance and support, including onward travel back to Ireland. We expect additional Irish citizens and dependants in Gaza to be on the list in the coming days, and we are working tirelessly to ensure all those who wish to do so will be allowed to leave as soon as possible. The Government has been very active on this issue, particularly the Tánaiste and I. We have met the Palestinian Prime Minister, the Egyptian foreign minister and the Israeli ambassador. They all had a certain role to play in making today possible, and I want to acknowledge that.

See this speech in context