Ann Graves (Dublin Fingal East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

At the recent European Council meeting, discussion took place on the Middle East. It was really disappointing to see the subsequent resolution that passed did not mention Israel. Nowhere in the resolution does it mention the genocide being carried out by Israel in Gaza, or the unprecedented violence being carried out by Israel in the West Bank.

It is clear for anyone to see that Israel is guilty of crimes against humanity and carries out atrocities that are in breach of international law. There is no red line Israel has not crossed in its attempt to wipe out the Palestinian people by ethnic cleansing. In light of the genocide and the longest of crimes against humanity, I call on the Minister of State to join me in calling on Government MEPs to demand the EU-Israel Association Agreement be abolished. This trade agreement is worth €46.8 billion. It should be reduced to the rubbish bin of history. It is blood money and has no place in a civilised world.

All trade with Israel should cease until there is a free and independent Palestine. This Government must take the first step by immediately enacting the occupied territories Bill. There should be no further delays. This will send out a loud and clear message that Ireland stands with Palestine. Saoirse don Phalaistín.

See this speech in context