Brendan Ryan (Labour)

The situation in the illegally occupied Israeli territories is about to become a major human tragedy. Despite the crowded schedule, I ask the Leader for statements, if not a debate, on the issue. This country is in danger of being besmirched by the EU position, which is effectively an assault on the people of Palestine because they voted for the wrong party. The Government of Palestine has moved dramatically in recent days. Carefully chosen language that means something slightly different to different people was the source of the caeasefire in 1994. Language of late has been carefully chosen but last night the Israeli army invaded Gaza. When a territory is illegally occupied and the occupants resist by armed force, even though I may find it morally wrong or politically inept, I will not accept that it constitutes terrorism. The attack on two Israeli soldiers by people resisting Israeli occupation is not terrorism. It may be politically inept but this country has long recognised the right of oppressed people, who have no other route, to resist.