Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The overwhelming criticism in this House over the last year has been criticism of Israel. Let us be clear about that. That should not exclude criticism and condemnation of actions by Hezbollah or Hamas or of the malign role of Iran in the evolution of the conflict and the wars across the Middle East. The broadest perspective should always be brought to the House and should inform the debate. I have condemned the bombardment of Lebanon. I have condemned the nature of modern destructive warfare repeatedly here and elsewhere, in every forum I have attended. What is happening, the killing of innocent men, women and children, is shocking. The international order is in a very perilous state because of the nature of how wars are conducted. Examples include Russia's destruction of Syria, beginning with the destruction of Aleppo many years ago, Russia's war in Ukraine and Israel's war in Gaza. I agree with the Deputy. As I have said before, Israel will take out a whole block to get one commander, killing 100 or 200 people. That seems to be the attitude. It is inhumane. It is completely against international humanitarian law. Ireland has been a strong supporter of the Palestinian Authority. We have given substantial humanitarian support.

At the EU meetings, I have seen that the EU is divided. The EU in its totality does not have a shared position. There are fundamental differences between member states on this question. Ireland aligns itself with like-minded states on the Palestinian question. We align ourselves with Spain, Belgium, Malta and others who fundamentally believe in Palestinian self-determination. The vast majority believe in a two-state solution but one has to question how we can ever get to that given the level of destruction going on at the moment.

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