Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I support the call for a debate on the grave situation in Palestine and Israel. Not only has an Israeli soldier been kidnapped by a group called the Popular Resistance Committee but it has also kidnapped an Israeli settler. This was reported by Reuters yesterday. The agreement between Hamas and President Abbas is welcome, although it is ambiguous about recognising the right of Israel to exist. It is vital that we have a debate and I hope the issue is raised today at the meeting between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Pope Benedict. The Pope should intervene in this regard, welcome or not in that region. He has great influence.

The attack by the Israelis was predicted, they took out bridges and a power station in the most deprived area in the world. By destroying the Gaza Strip's infrastructure, it will be uninhabitable. The electricity was turned off last night and troops moved in. The other side, however, must recognise Israel's right to exist or it will not work. Both sides must sit down and learn from our experience North and South. We should express our abhorrence of violence on both sides.