Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The horrific violence and loss of life in Israel and Gaza continues to shock us all. When the EU General Assembly calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, backed by 150 countries including Ireland, it is a significant step. It highlights the growing isolation of the United States and Israel. I acknowledge the efforts of the Tánaiste and Taoiseach in condemning the war and calling for an immediate, permanent and sustainable ceasefire. As a Government we must continue to lead the pursuit and de-escalation of the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict.

The indiscriminate bombing and the far too high number of Palestinian civilians killed, as stated by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, is continuing and is completely unacceptable. Children in Gaza cannot suffer any more. Can we leverage our close ties with the Biden Administration and the EU to end the suffering despite international pressures? It has resisted calls for a ceasefire which would be of benefit to Hamas, as it has stated. We need to do more to help to stop this conflict.

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