Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)

I want to read into the record the names of three brave rebels who are now on a flotilla 120 nautical miles from Gaza - Tadhg Hickey, Donna Schwarz and Paddy Cole. They join our friend and comrade, Senator Chris Andrews, and many others who are sailing to Gaza. They are taking their lives in their hands because we know other flotillas have been attacked and people have been murdered. These people are showing bravery in going to Gaza, and to sail in the face of Israeli aggression. They have already been attacked by Israeli military drones. They know they are under threat. The bravery they show is only a fraction of the bravery the Palestinian people show every day. The Government must send a clear message to Israel about the people who are sailing to Gaza. Irish citizens and any other citizens on the flotilla should not be attacked or victimised in any way, shape or form. These people are going to bring aid and food to starving children. Israel is supported by some of the biggest countries in the world - the Americans, the British, the French and the Italians - who have given them guns so that they can slaughter men, women and children and now they are in the danger zone.

Israeli snipers are shooting children dead. The flotilla is trying to bring medical aid and food to children who are starving. Did we ever think it would happen again in our lifetime? How can genocide be allowed to happen in 2025? It is a shame on the Americans, British and Germans for backing the Israelis. How dare they murder people, including children, because they want freedom and justice. Where is the justice for the Palestinian people?

We are only a small country but we have a big voice and we have big hearts. The Tánaiste and the Government need to send out a clear message that we will stand with the Palestinian people. We want to protect our own people who are going to aid them. Saoirse don Phalaistín.

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