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

I thank the Deputy. I share her horror about what is continuing to unfold in Gaza. I do not think anyone could find the current situation to be anything more than unbearable, quite frankly, to see thousands of people being killed and thousands of children losing their lives. While Israel has the right to defend itself, the actions it has taken, in my view and that of the Government, are disproportionate and will ultimately be counterproductive. We know from history that when people are treated in that way, it strengthens their resolve. As the Americans have said in recent days, Israel might achieve a military victory but it is very likely to be a strategic defeat of its own long-term security.

I was glad to hear the American authorities use that language and put across that message.

As regards the questions the Deputy asked about Israel's actions in Gaza and the international community, I do not speak for Israel and I do not speak for the international community. I can speak only for the Irish Government, and our position is very clear: that there should be a new ceasefire, that that ceasefire should be an extended one if not a permanent one and that it should be observed by all sides, not just by Israel but also by Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the Palestinian militant groups that have committed and are committing terrible actions also.

We do not have the legal advice back yet. I have asked for it but I do not have it back yet. I hope to have it back soon.

As regards sanctions, I can only say what I have said before. Sanctions are effective only when they are done on a multilateral basis. I do not believe it would be the right thing for Ireland to engage in imposing unilateral sanctions. There would be a response. There would almost certainly be retaliation, not just from Israel but perhaps from others. That would create problems for us and disadvantages for our citizens and would not be effective in changing the mind of the Israeli Government. I think the Deputy knows that as well as I do. Sanctions can be effective only if they are done on a multilateral basis. We are one of the countries that is listened to on an international basis. I attended the COP in Dubai in recent days. I had a chance to speak to many representatives of countries from the Arab world and the global south. They recognise the position Ireland is taking as one of leadership within the European Union and recognise that we are not applying double standards in the way some countries are. If, however, we go out on a limb and take unilateral actions, we will be listened to less. It might make us feel better but it will not do any good for the Palestinian people.

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