Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In the context of our responsibilities as outlined in the report, I urge the Tánaiste to use every means open to him, to move heaven and earth, to stop the bombing of Gaza and the raids on the West Bank, and ensure that this ceasefire that was announced last night is permanent. It is six and a half weeks late but at least a ceasefire has been announced.

Netanyahu did not want a ceasefire because while the war goes on, the investigation into 7 October waits. He would happily go on slaughtering innocent children to save his skin. He has been forced into this ceasefire by the families of the hostages and I commend them on exerting that political pressure. They know that Netanyahu did not give a damn about them. He waited nine days to meet them after the Hamas attack. The Tánaiste and I might have our differences but I know he, or any of the leaders in Ireland, would not have waited nine days to meet the families of hostages in a case like that. Genocidal hatred of Palestinians is his purpose. This war was never about defence.

I welcome that hostages will be released and that Emily Hand has been mentioned as being among the first 50. I hope to God she will be among the first group. I welcome that Palestinian children will also be released. We must ensure this ceasefire is permanent so the killing will stop. We must do all we can to end it. According to the "values-based" policy cited in the report, I ask the Minister to act with might and main to ensure this ceasefire is permanent.

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