Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

Like the Deputy, I strongly condemn the continuing Israeli military operation, which has brought fresh suffering to the people of Gaza. The images we are seeing are truly horrific. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic; it is hell on earth. It has been over 50 days since food, medicines and other essential supplies have been allowed to enter Gaza. Israel’s continuing humanitarian blockade is pushing Gaza closer to a hunger crisis. As the Taoiseach said yesterday, it is wrong in principle and law to inflict hunger and suffering on a civilian population, whatever the circumstances, and this behaviour clearly constitutes a war crime. It is also wholly unacceptable to contemplate the mass displacement of people in Gaza or to talk about a permanent occupation. It is not only an affront to decency and to international law; history tells us it offers no solution. Today, Ireland, along with five other countries, issued a joint statement expressing our grave concern about the report that Israel plans to expand its operations. We call on the Israeli authorities to show restraint.

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