Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)

Yesterday's arrest by Israel of those aboard the Madleen freedom flotilla ship while in international waters was a flagrant breach of international law. Those taken by Israeli forces are brave activists, bringing symbolic aid to a people who have been abandoned by the world. The activists hold EU citizenship and one is an MEP. I hope the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste will raise this kidnapping of activists at international level.

I also ask that the Government do more at international level to ensure Israel is subject to some consequence and some sanction for its continued brutal and genocidal bombardment of Palestinian civilians. I am really concerned to see reports that representatives of Israel will be in attendance on 23 June at an EU southern neighbourhood ministerial meeting. This is a concern at a time when we should be able to see Israel being isolated by the international community for its actions in Gaza, a genocide before our eyes. I know Ireland has been strong on this at international level, but we must do more.

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