Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I support the call by Senator Brian Hayes for a debate on what is happening to the Palestinian people. The war crimes being perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people will shock the world and will be seen for what they are. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has been particularly forthright in support of the rights of the Palestinian people. It is important for this nation, and for all nations, to impress on Israel that of all the nations on earth, it should be wary about engaging in activities which could be perceived as being genocidal.

I am delighted America has taken one small step in not now supporting Israel but we must be much stronger. There seems to be an interaction between all these excesses in different parts of the world. A debate on human rights would be particularly important.

If the report on the attack on the wedding in Iraq is correct, we have again reached a new low. What surprises us most, if it is true, is why America has been so slow to admit it because given its technology and reporting, it seems to be in a position at times to confirm issues within minutes. However, it has not done so on this occasion. If the report is correct it means that over 40 people were executed by American forces. While seeking a debate on human rights might seem like an old long playing record, we must continue to do so. We must not allow our helplessness to paralyse us when it comes to activities. We must keeping saying this over and over again.