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

I condemn without reservation the attacks by the IDF on Gaza, the bombing and the continuing slaughter within Gaza, in particular the murder of emergency responders that the Deputy has referenced. That has been confirmed, essentially, in terms of what happened on 23 March, in terms of 15 emergency responders being murdered. I say that without hesitation. It is quite shocking that something of this kind could happen. I note that the nature of the investigation is now changing. It is absolutely unacceptable and I agree with the UN human rights chief that there must be an independent, prompt and thorough investigation into the killings and that those responsible for any violation of international law must be held to account.

Ireland has bilaterally and multilaterally repeatedly called on Israel to comply with international law, stressing the universal applicability of international law to include international humanitarian law. I have condemned the air strikes. I have always been clear about air strikes which kill innocent people and children. The number of children killed in Gaza is absolutely shocking and beyond any moral compass. The people of Gaza have endured unbelievable hardships and there should be an urgent end to all hostilities.

Hamas should stop firing rockets, should disengage and should release all hostages. Hamas has brought misery on its own people also. What Hamas did on 7 October was unforgivable and is equally to be condemned. The release of hostages could be a catalyst. There is no justification for any of this in my view. The remaining hostages should be released. What they have gone through is absolutely shocking as well. If one recalls, many of these hostages were attending concerts or were going about their daily lives and they were abducted. The level of hate across the region now is such that it is making, and will make, any potential reconciliation pathway almost impossible but we cannot give up hope. We and the international community need to focus on getting a ceasefire established and restored with a view to getting the hostages released and some pathway to peace along the lines of what the Arab nations have put together in terms of a peace pathway or process.

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