Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Today, for the first time, there is some glimmer of hope, a faint ray of light as there seems to be an agreement between Israel and Hamas for a four-day ceasefire and the release of hostages. Every hostage released and every hour of a ceasefire is a positive. It is not a solution but it is a start and we have to start somewhere. As this process continues every hour of every day must be used to try to find a more long-term solution. We call on the Government to dedicate every ounce of energy and to use every diplomatic lever at its disposal to prolong this four-day ceasefire and secure the release of all the hostages. Right now, that is the most immediate and most important action the State can take .

Regarding other actions, I have written to the European Commission asking that Article 2 of the EU-Israel trade association agreement be invoked. This states that "all the provisions of the Agreement ... shall be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, which guides their internal and international policy and constitutes an essential element of this Agreement". It is very clear that this trade agreement is based on respect for human rights. It is crystal clear and beyond question that Israel has flagrantly disregarded this requirement as it conducts an all-out attack on Gaza. It is bombing hospitals, neighbourhoods, UN facilities and killing indiscriminately. More than 13,000 men, women, children and babies have been killed at this stage. Ireland should make a strong complaint to the Commission to ensure that the terms of this trade agreement are adhered to. Israel signed this agreement, as did the EU Commission, which now has a responsibility to enforce its terms and the Irish Government has a huge responsibility to demand that the Commission does so.

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