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

First of all, I thank the Deputy, and I do not say it patronisingly, for very eloquently presenting the case and the comparison with our own national trauma during the 19th century in terms of the Great Famine and a deliberate policy now being perpetrated by the Israeli Government in respect of denying the basic necessities of life to the people of Gaza. It is quite shocking that Israel would, in a very deliberative way, conduct and prosecute a policy of this kind against an entire population. As I said previously in the Dáil, it is wrong in principle and in law to inflict hunger and suffering on a civilian population, whatever the circumstances, and this behaviour clearly constitutes a war crime.

In that context, we are working with other like-minded member states in the European Union - I have raised this with the President of the Commission - and, indeed, wherever we can to bring about international pressure on Israel to allow the basic necessities of life and unhindered aid into Gaza. The level of malnutrition among children is absolutely shocking and appalling. The trauma that has been visited upon the children of Gaza is lifelong. Many have been orphaned and many have lost siblings, parents and uncles and, of course, entire families have been wiped out by the shocking bombing of a very urban and densely populated environment.

In terms of the issues the Deputy has raised, we will continue to work with Spain, Slovenia, Norway, Iceland and other countries where we would have similar views in respect of this, and to try to get a stronger position from the entire membership of the European Union, at a minimum, in respect of the humanitarian situation and to get Gaza opened to aid.

The people in Gaza are trapped in Gaza. The Deputy mentioned in terms of famine that people can escape but people are trapped in Gaza due to the military activity and the bombing, but also the starvation and not having access to outside assistance or outside support. There is no shortage of humanitarian aid outside of Gaza at Rafah and other locations. There is no shortage of neighbouring Arab states that want to supply aid and support. The issue is getting it in there in the first instance. Now, the latest manifestation of Israeli policy, in endeavouring to control the entirety of the aid programme, is also reprehensible and unacceptable. We will continue to do what we can to get Gaza open for humanitarian aid and assistance.

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