Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It is deeply distressing to see the resumption of Israel's brutal bombardment on the people of Gaza and horrific to hear Netanyahu describe Israeli airstrikes as "only the beginning". We have already seen horrific levels of deaths of civilians, including children, and what little hope was left for the population of Gaza seems to be gone, with barely any aid reaching civilians. Our moral obligation to act is stronger than ever.

There are disturbing reports from Washington that the Taoiseach said the occupied territories Bill was no longer on the legislative calendar. Could he clarify his position on the Bill? Now is the time to act to express our collective horror at what is happening with Israel. Could the Taoiseach also use his time at the European Council this week to confirm to other European leaders the need to take stronger actions against Israel and to adopt stronger sanctions at European level, in particular to target Israeli-held assets and financial interests, to ensure that any power we can use within the EU and nationally is used to stop the slaughter in Gaza.

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