Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

It is interesting that the Taoiseach mentions the case of Ukraine. The Tánaiste had no such reluctance when it came to Russia. Less than two months after Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine he labelled it a genocide. The double standard beggars belief. Israel claims that it is doing everything in its power to protect civilians in Gaza. It says that while it is dropping 2,000-pound bombs on densely populated residential areas. These enormous bombs are not being used sparingly either. They have been dropped in their hundreds on an area half the size of Louth. How can countries that claim to value human rights and international law sit back and watch this? I agree that Ireland has been a really strong voice for the Palestinian people on the world stage, but words will not provide a defence from the bombs, famine or disease sweeping through Gaza. Saying we cannot act now is simply disingenuous. As stated, Germany has signalled its intention to act. We could signal our intention now and start the process with a legal team on establishing the case. We must stand on the right side of history with regard to this. Sitting by, watching this happen and waiting while 250 people are dying every day simply lacks the courage that is needed at this point. Will the Government act with the same degree of urgency as the Government of Germany? Will it act with the same degree of urgency as it did in the case of Ukraine and signal its intention to support South Africa's case at the ICJ immediately?

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