Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I join with other Members in condemning the activities of the Israeli Government in Rafah yesterday regarding the slaughter of ten innocents and injury of 40 others. Actions speak louder than words, and we should make a request of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Cowen, who is now President of the EU Foreign Ministers and has been exemplary in his work on Palestine and recognising the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. I suggest that we withdraw the special status that Israel holds in the eyes of the European Union. A boycott of Israeli products should be undertaken. It is the only action that will have an effect on current events there. The boycott involving Dunnes Stores workers helped to bring down the South African regime. It is time that other workers decided to boycott all Israeli goods until Israel recognises the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.