Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

I wish to start by strongly condemning in the most certain terms the brutality that Israel is inflicting upon the innocent people of Gaza. Equally, I would like to strongly condemn in the most certain terms the atrocious acts committed by Hamas, particularly on 7 October 2023. The murder, maiming and unjustifiable terror being waged on innocent people on both sides of this conflict has no place in our world, yet it continues, to the horror of the world looking in. The continuing barbaric, murderous, genocidal Israeli military operations, which have brought unwavering suffering to the people of Gaza, are blatantly in breach of international law and basic humanity. There must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and access to unhindered humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza at an unprecedented scale. It is simply wrong in principle and in law to inflict hunger and suffering on a civilian population, whatever the circumstances. The 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 that it offers no solution.

Ireland remains convinced that the implementation of a two-state solution is the only way to establish lasting peace and security for Israel, Palestine and the wider region. Ireland must continue its work with international partners and to step up our efforts to achieve that goal. In terms of what Ireland has done to date, the State has intervened in South Africa's International Court of Justice case against Israel under the Genocide Convention.

We have recognised the State of Palestine as a sovereign and independent state and we welcome the fact other states in Europe are now following the lead of Ireland and Spain, in particular. We have provided €95 million in support to the people of Palestine since January 2023, of which more than €79 million has been provided since October 2023. We were the first country to call for UNRWA to remain in Gaza and provided €20 million for that.

I have no doubt that we will look back, and history will look back, with shock and rightful disgust at the delayed response from so many in the West and in Europe, and the actions of the current US Administration and others, and ask how this was allowed to go on for so long. Thousands upon thousands upon thousands of children, women and men have been displaced time and time again. Thousands have been murdered, starved, displaced and chased from their homes and terrorised time and time again. Aid workers and journalists have been killed, hospitals have been levelled, and war crimes and genocide have been committed. Vital aid has been prevented from reaching the people who need it most, those who are being starved. History will judge what has happened in Gaza and in the West Bank and history will not be kind.

A two-state solution is the only solution to this. This country must enact the Occupied Territories Bill. Those who are responsible for war crimes must answer for them. Innocent people in both Palestine and Israel deserve to live in peace, both from the threat of Hamas and the murderous Israeli military. The international community must step up and act now to provide a lasting and real peace. They must prevent further war crimes, murders, killings, displacement and the terrorisation of an innocent people.

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