Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

When I put forward this question last week, I hoped we would not find ourselves in a position where Israel had already closed off Rafah. While the real ground offensive has not yet started, Israel certainly has moved in the tanks. The reason the full ground offensive has not started is that the United States is withholding arms and bombs. Today, 9 May, is Europe Day. We in Europe really are at a critical place. When I am out canvassing at the doors for my party's European candidates, a large number of people raise with me the direction in which Europe is going. They are not at all happy about it.

The Tánaiste mentioned that other countries might come on board with an initiative. The date mentioned on the 9 o'clock news last night was 21 May. Sharon Ní Bheoláin could not contain a sigh when she was talking about what is going on in Gaza. Our timeline should not be affected by whether other countries are coming on board. We should go ahead with the date that was mentioned. It was reported last night that Israel has closed a maternity hospital. It is no longer taking admissions. Babies do not wait. I hope to God we do not wait while other countries decide whether to come on board.

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