Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On Friday, 9 May, Europe marks the 75th anniversary of the Schuman declaration, a moment meant to usher in peace, human rights and solidarity in Europe.

Those founding ideals lie in tatters. Peace in Europe did not hold, as anyone in the Balkans and Ukraine could tell us. When Russia invaded Ukraine, the EU stood united. Sanctions were imposed, aid was sent and declarations were made that such aggression would not be tolerated. Like Ukraine, Palestinian land has been occupied, annexed and bombarded by a monstrous regime. Europe rightly sanctioned Russia, yet it cheers on Israel. When Israel rains down bombs on Gaza, when tents full of displaced families are hit and when children are pulled from the rubble, where is the European outrage? Where is the solidarity with the people of Gaza? Last month, Israel attacked a humanitarian flotilla that included European citizens bringing aid to Gaza. This was a blatant violation of international law but there was not a peep out of Ursula von der Leyen. When wildfires broke out in Israel, however, she sent firefighting planes. Trees are more precious to Ursula von der Leyen than Palestinian lives. Where was the EU commitment to international law? How can Europe preach about human rights while ignoring war crimes in Gaza?

As Irish people, we know the pain of colonial oppression. Irish people starved while food was just hours away. Other countries in Europe do not understand the spirit of resistance that is instilled in every Palestinian just as it lives in Irish republicans up and down our country. As a post-colonial people, we always take the side of those facing brutal occupation. We must be the vanguard for justice for Palestinians, for their right to peace and for their right, in the renowned words of Bobby Sands, whose anniversary we celebrated on Monday last, to hear the laughter of their children. We demand an immediate end to the assault on Gaza, an arms embargo on Israel and humanitarian support for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. We must enact the occupied territories Bill, stop Israeli munitions going through Shannon Airport and end the export of arms components to Israel. I commend my Sinn Féin comrades in Kildare, including an Teachta Ní Raghallaigh, and the Kildare Palestine Solidarity Campaign on their direct action against Powell Electronics in Clane last week. In stopping that shipment, they have done more than the Government to stop genocide.

I convey my solidarity to the National Union of Journalists, NUJ, members who listened to Francesca Albanese and finally found their voice. They might only be speaking out about Eurovision but at least it is a start. I am sick of standing and waving Palestinian flags in Celbridge and Naas. I am sick of chanting "Free Palestine". I am sick of watching children being blown to bits or, worse, burnt alive in tents. I am sick of reading inThe Ditchthat ammunition is being flown through Irish airspace and I am sick of the Government saying it did not happen. The Taoiseach finally found a bit of a voice yesterday and called what is happening what it is, which is a war crime. When will he act?

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