Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On 9 May 1950 the foundation of the European Union was set out in a declaration based on two core principles, namely, peace and solidarity. This is what the European Union was set up to achieve but as each year passes the EU distances itself further and further from these core principles. Peace and solidarity are no longer at the heart of European policy, and selfishness and greed have dominated and have left the EU rotten to its core. The EU can no longer even pretend to live by these principles of peace and solidarity while it sits on its hands and watches Gaza burn. It certainly cannot claim to value peace and solidarity in any way while at the same time allowing EU countries to supply Israel with the arms that are causing such horrific damage and devastating loss of life.

Yesterday Israel launched a major offensive in Rafah, seizing control of a key border crossing and cutting off most aid into the territory. A day before talks on a ceasefire were due to restart, this ground operation in Rafah will be an appalling tragedy. The ongoing military action in such a densely populated area will result in even more civilian casualties and exacerbate an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis, all at the hands of the US and Europe.

We cannot allow this to go on any longer. There are 1.4 million people trapped in Rafah who need our help. These people are already struggling with starvation, disease and a severe lack of medical support. They cannot be made to suffer any longer. Those seeking refuge in Rafah are left with nowhere safe to turn. People are at a complete loss as to what to do after having been displaced multiple times throughout this war. It is imperative that Ireland takes a stand now and we call on our European counterparts who are supplying arms to Israel to stop immediately. This means really taking a stand rather than empty words, which is what we have seen so far.

Europe needs to confront the Israeli Government on the genocide it is causing in Gaza and Israel's constant disregard for international humanitarian law. Europe should be doing everything in its power to immediately stop the assault on Rafah, reopen all aid crossing points, ensure a permanent ceasefire and end arms sales to Israel. This is the very least it could do as an organisation that is supposedly founded on peace and solidarity.

On this Europe day the European Union would do well to revisit its core principles and remember the reasons the Union was established in the first place. The EU was created on the grounds of a post-war European Continent and prided itself on being a peace project. What is the point of this peace project if we cannot advocate for peace in Palestine? How can we in good conscience not only continuously abandon the people of Gaza but actually contribute to their pain and suffering? Words are not enough. We need action. We need to let Europe know that we will not stand idly by any longer. We need to finally and officially recognise the state of Palestine as a strong indicator of Ireland's solidarity with Palestine and its people. The Government needs to do this. It needs to stop its mealy-mouthed pretending that it is doing so and actually do something.

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