Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

All eyes are on Rafah as we are forced to watch in horror the utter brutality of Israel's attack on the Palestinian people. The level of bloodshed and devastation the Palestinian people have had to endure, especially in recent months, is unimaginable. Israel's bombing of a camp of tents of displaced people is indefensible. The images and stories coming out of Rafah are truly gut-wrenching. What is worse is that the international community has allowed this to happen. What is happening in Rafah is happening because Israel has not been punished for the previous atrocities it has committed against Palestinians. Israel has been protected by the US and the EU while it continues with murderous invasions. Israel has been facilitated and even armed by the US and the EU to carry out this genocide.

The recognition of the State of Palestine is a symbolic gesture but it is an empty one if we continue to be complicit in Israel's genocide of Palestine. Ireland is Israel's fourth biggest market for all kinds of goods and Ireland's restricted exports to Israel of restricted dual-use goods that have potential military purposes grew almost sevenfold last year from €11 million to more than €70 million. How can we allow this? How can we claim to care about the Palestinian people while at the same time arming those who are causing the devastation and destruction? It is truly sickening to think about.

The Government has continued to allow the shipment of dual-use goods to Israel and yet wants a pat on the back, simply for recognising the State of Palestine and its people. We should have recognised Palestine decades ago. Most countries across the globe already recognised the State of Palestine. We were an outlier, along with some other EU countries, the UK, the US, Canada and Australia, in not recognising the State of Palestine until now. Recognising statehood is the least we can do at this point. What Palestine needs now is action. The people of Palestine desperately need the Government to stop facilitating this genocide by allowing US aircraft to pass through Shannon and to end its trade relationship with Israel. It is time to take meaningful action and ensure that we play no part in aiding Israel's apartheid regime. In his opening statement, the Taoiseach said there is an onus on every country and on the European Union to use every lever at our disposal to bring about a ceasefire. It is no longer enough to just condemn or be repulsed. All I ask is that the Taoiseach stay true to his words. He can start by passing the Air Navigation and Transport (Arms Embargo) Bill 2024 that will be debated in the Seanad tomorrow. The Bill looks to put restrictions on the transport and export of weapons through the State to Israel, including when they are coming from or going to a country which also exports weapons. If the Taoiseach was honest in his opening statement, he should have no issue with restricting the transport of weapons to Israel. I look forward to hearing the Minister's response on this.

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