Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I support the call for a debate on the Middle East because it seems to have gone off the radar for some considerable time. I recall a few years ago that the plight of the Palestinians would be discussed in the House regularly. We need to reactivate our concern in this regard. One of the reasons the Seanad always has had an interest in helping those in other countries less fortunate than ourselves has been that we so often ourselves have looked to the world to come and support us, particularly in regard to the Northern conflict, and we always found countries prepared to come forward and to help. We can see the result of that help in the peace which prevails on this island at present.

I can recall when some of the major powers in the world called for constitutional means to be used in the Middle East conflict and Hamas was prepared to do that. It came forward and contested the elections and won. As the result did not suit certain powers, they started to meddle again. I knew at the time when I saw the Americans coming back on stream and meddling in the aftermath of the elections that we were starting a whole cycle of violence all over again.

One thing is certain: there is no way the horrific events of recent days would be carried out with impunity by Israel were it not for the fact that it knows it has the support of other countries to do that. I have heard very little outcry about the innocent babies who were slaughtered in the recent attacks. When any minister in a civilised government threatens a holocaust on what is basically a very weak nation there should be an outcry.

We all have received correspondence from the Palestinian organisations in this country and have been in touch and have discussed the issues with them. The only hope they have to avoid this terrible horror is that nations such as Ireland that have been so fortunate to have had such global support when it has been needed and that are in a stronger position would speak out and support them in their hour of need.