Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support the Social Democrats original motion and thank the party for bringing it before us. I also thank the groups in Killarney and Tralee and throughout Kerry who have rightly expressed their outrage at what is happening. This motion paints a harrowing picture of the war in Gaza, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for peace. It underscores the devastating impact of the conflict on the Palestinian population, including the loss of life, displacement, and the collapse of essential services. The motion rightly calls for an end to the violence and for the international community to uphold its obligation under the Genocide Convention. The Hamas-run authorities say 25,000 civilians and fighters have died.

According to the UN, another 7,000 may lie under the rubble. Israel says it has killed 8,000 terrorists, but far too little water, food and medicine is reaching Gaza and there are truly no safe zones for civilians. Mr. Netanyahu is said to have no post-war plan other than anarchy or occupation. Extremists within his coalition talk outrageously of permanently displacing Palestinians from the enclave.

The Rural Independent Group TDs believe that long-term peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through dialogue and negotiation. While the motion calls for urgent intervention, it is equally important to stress the need for dialogue and negotiation between the conflicting parties, as a sustainable solution can only be reached through mutual understanding and compromise. While the motion focuses on Ireland's role, it is essential to underscore the responsibility of other nations, especially those with more influence in the region, to contribute to peace efforts. These include the Arab countries and, of course, the US. While the motion addresses the immediate crisis, it is crucial to discuss the long-term solutions, such as addressing the root cause of the conflict, ensuring respect for human rights and working towards a two-state solution.

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