Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

Aontaím go hiomlán leis an Teachta. Is uafásach ar fad an méid atá ag tarlú i nGaza leis an gcogadh uafásach agus na mílte daoine, leanaí go háirithe, ag fáil bháis de dheasca polasaithe Rialtas Iosrael. I agree with the Deputy's presentation of what is an absolutely barbaric and appalling situation in Gaza. There is absolutely no justification in any shape or form for what is occurring. The prosecution of this war is causing immense death, destruction and suffering to an entire population. I have said recently that it is simply wrong in principle and in law to inflict hunger and suffering on a civilian population, whatever the circumstances. This behaviour clearly constitutes a war crime. It is also wholly unacceptable to contemplate the mass displacement of people in Gaza or to talk of permanent occupation. Not only is it an affront to decency and international law, but history tells us it offers no solution.

I strongly welcome the decision to review the European Union-Israel Association Agreement together with Spain. As the Deputy said, Ireland first called for this. I believe the agreement should now be suspended pending the review. Yesterday evening, I saw comments from the minister for finance of Israel, Minister Smotrich, speaking openly about conquering Gaza and, with God's help, pushing the population south and into third countries. This is a senior minister of the Israeli Government articulating, in no uncertain terms, what the agenda is. It is absolutely reprehensible.

We also need to say consistently that the hostages need to be released.

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