Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

What a long-awaited and momentous day to finally have the State of Palestine formally recognised by Ireland. Iontach ar fad. Finally, the voices of those who marched, protested and petitioned in their thousands for international law to be upheld and shouted loud and long for Palestine and her people to be recognised have been heard. Ireland and the Irish fought our own struggles with oppression and occupation and have always had a unique affinity with Palestine. We understand their struggles and their longing for the land to be free, independent and sovereign.

However, recognition is not enough. How can it be when, as we stand in this House, the people of Gaza are under siege? Gaza and her people are suffering a genocide in full sight of the world. Rafah, where Israel ordered people to flee to safety, is burning and being obliterated by Israeli bombs raining down indiscriminately on tens of thousands of displaced people. Families and children are being blown apart. Hospitals, doctors and paramedics have been deliberately targeted, killed and destroyed. Humanitarian aid has been blocked. This is Palestine's future. It is shameful. If the bombs do not kill people, disease and starvation will.

How much more must they endure? Israel's actions must be recognised as gross violations of international law and it must be held accountable for them. The ICC decision must be upheld.

Ireland may be a small island but our voice is loud on the world stage and our influence is far greater. We have led the world in peace for our own island and it is time for us to do so again in order that Palestine and her people can be free to enjoy a lasting peace. It is time for this Government to use this momentous day as the first step and to use its influence at a European and international level to bring pressure to bear for the achievement of a lasting ceasefire and an end to the senseless oppression and loss of life. Let us be very clear, no matter what Benjamin Netanyahu claims, bombing Rafah is not "a mistake". It is the deliberate slaughter of the innocent and Israel must be held accountable for it. Remember this - all eyes are now on Rafah.

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