Don Lydon (Fianna Fail)

The EU has been a consistent supporter of the Palestinian people internationally. Ireland has played its part in ensuring that this is the policy. As such, it saddens me to see the removal of funding to the Palestinian Government and I cannot understand why this has been done. As previously stated, this will not help, as people will not have the money they need to govern their country.

The only route to a just and lasting settlement is through the negotiation of a mutually acceptable two-state solution. We are all aware of the obstacle recent developments have placed in the path of negotiations, which makes it more important for us to work to promote an environment for negotiation. Peace and security for the Israeli and Palestinian people will only be assured through negotiation and compromise based on adherence to fundamental democratic principles. It is in no one's interest to set aside the agreements already undertaken or seek to impose outcomes on the other side through unilateral actions or refusals to negotiate.

We support Israeli and Palestinian political leaders who recognise the desire of their people for a just solution and the inescapable need to meet the obligations identified in the roadmap. Now that Hamas is in government, it must confront and live up to great responsibilities. Above all, it must take account of the clear messages sent by the EU, the Quartet, the other countries of the region and the democratically-elected President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. All voices have given the same clear messages that the Government of the Palestinian Authority must renounce violence, recognise the right of its neighbour to exist in peace and security and commit itself to implementing the agreements entered into since the signing of the Oslo Accords.

Ireland has been to the fore in arguing that the EU and international community should give the Palestinians time and space to come to terms with these responsibilities. It is troubling that, so far, this time and space has not been used as it should have been. No one responsible for any government should seek to justify the type of atrocity we saw in Tel Aviv last week. This was disappointing evidence that Hamas has not faced up to the new responsibilities that come with active participation in democracy. That said, we must judge the new Palestinian Government on its actions. In the period ahead, if there is any evidence of a willingness to make progress to meet the principles set out by the Quartet and with an absolute requirement that Hamas should continue to refrain from violence, an appropriate response from the international community should be made.

There is an equal need to press Israel to meet its obligations under international law and the agreements it has undertaken. Together with our partners in the EU, we should use every opportunity to further constructive engagement. All parties should refrain from any unilateral action that would further jeopardise the prospects of a two-state solution. There are serious grounds for concern in respect of Israeli practices in the occupied territories. If anyone visited them, as I have, he or she would be appalled by what the Israelis have done. It goes against international law and brings further hardship to the Palestinian population, who have been living in camps for almost half a century. There is an obligation on the Israeli Government to end settlement expansion, remove all illegal outposts and end construction of the illegal security barrier or wall on occupied Palestinian land. The Israeli Government is obliged to protect its citizens against terrorist attacks but measures taken to strengthen the security of Israel for Israeli citizens must not be at the expense of the basic human rights of Palestinians.

Senator Mooney spoke about bombing the British to the table in Ireland. It is a good sign that we have moved on from this but it is unfortunate that people can be bombed to the table. Now that Hamas has done its bombing and reached the table, it is time to cease the bombings. The only way for peace to come to that area of the world is to have a two-state solution, insha Allah.