Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)

The motion is not unimportant but it is a symbol of support. The flotilla itself is also a symbol but it is much more; it is actual action. It is an action towards developing and delivering a humanitarian corridor into Gaza, something which the international community has failed to do. If successful, it would be a counterbalance to the abhorrent Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, as set up by Israel and the United States.

We know an awful lot about turning symbols into action in this country. When South Africa was under apartheid, a group of Dunnes Stores workers became symbols for their action when they went on strike against the government of South Africa. Our neutrality, which we hold so dearly, is another symbol that we have turned into action throughout the world. Now, we must do the same again.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is a symbol of justice, peace and humanity but it is also an action. I speak for the House when I say that the rights of all citizens in the flotilla, including Irish citizens, to engage in peaceful international protest must be protected. Those taking part in the flotilla, including some of our public representatives, are exercising their right to stand for justice and peace in a non-violent manner. These activists are not a threat to the existence of Israel, as some in the Israeli Government are saying. They are not actors on behalf of Hamas, as the Israeli Government is saying. Senator Chris Andrews, whose commitment to this issue is decades long, and he should probably still be a Member of this House given his commitment to the issue, is not an actor for Hamas. Deputy Heneghan, despite some curious associations within the House, is not an actor for Hamas.

The medics, the activists and the humanitarians who are members of the flotilla deserve protection. Israeli language, as well as action, is about violence and escalation. Israeli authorities have characterised this mission as a publicity stunt; it is anything but. The most appropriate response to those claims is what was said by Greta Thunberg, perhaps one of the most potent threats to weak male leaders in the world. She is also part of the flotilla. She told the BBC, "I don't think anyone would risk their life for a publicity stunt." She also said that if people think it is a publicity stunt they should ask the people of Gaza whether they consider it a publicity stunt. Every single member of the flotilla is risking their lives with their actions at this moment.

Israel can insist all it wants that its blockade is necessary to prevent aid falling into the hands of Hamas. What absolute, utter nonsense. There is next to no aid getting in. The blockade Israel has imposed, which is backed up by the United States as well as others in the international community, is behind the widespread hunger, famine, ethnic cleansing and genocide against which the flotilla is standing up.

We have seen a number of countries send naval vessels to protect the flotilla. It is our view we should send our own naval vessel, at the very least in an observational capacity. Our role as peacekeepers is respected globally. In a debate last night we saw a presidential candidate bash his shoulder, where the Irish flag was once sewn, and speak about how proud he was of neutrality and his role in peacekeeping. Let us fly the flag above an Irish ship and protect not only Irish citizens but all of the citizens in the flotilla. This would be an action. This would not need a UN mandate or breach the triple lock. Operation Pontus in the Mediterranean Sea did not breach the triple lock and this is a precedent for such action.

The flotilla is approximately four days from reaching Gaza but there is an expectation, or a sense or fear, that we could have an interception tonight. It has been a week since the attacks on the flotilla but we are less than 12 or 24 hours away from seeing further violence, interception or, perhaps worse. What happens then? We do not know. What we do know is that international law must be respected at all times and at all costs. The Israeli Government has not respected international law when it comes to the flotilla. It has breached every single kind of international law with its bombardment of Gaza for almost two years and its strangling of aid getting into Gaza since March. We must be clear that any activity targeting civilians or humanitarian workers is unacceptable to the Irish people. As one of the family members said in our meeting less than an hour ago, the Irish people are carrying the pride of the Irish view when it comes to Palestinian solidarity, and the Irish Government is not because it is not acting quickly enough on the occupied territories Bill or to protect the members of the flotilla. It is the Irish people who are carrying the pride and the stance of Ireland when it comes to Palestinian solidarity. We need real action now. I hope that following this symbolic motion we will see it.

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