Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Israel's horrific campaign of slaughter and destruction in the Gaza Strip shows no sign of easing. Yesterday, a school in Khan Yunis was bombed; five children were killed and many others. I visited that school when I was in the Gaza Strip. Last night, Al Jazeera released footage of the horrific attack. Kids and young men were out playing football and, all of a sudden, Israeli missiles rained down on them.

Last month, EU leaders signed into action the 14th package of sanctions against Russia. Despite all the documented murder and war crimes committed by apartheid Israel throughout Palestine, however, there has not been a single sanction. EU money continues to flow into Israel via trade agreements. How much death and destruction will it take for the EU to finally impose sanctions on Israel?

It is shameful the Irish Government is rallying behind Ursula von der Leyen for re-election as President of the European Commission. It would be equally shameful to see recently elected MEPs turn their backs on their commitment during the election to not support her. As President, von der Leyen has stood by the actions of apartheid Israel through thick and thin. It is utter hypocrisy for the Government to speak of standing by Palestine while supporting her re-election as President.

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