Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

As we discuss this topic here, talks are continuing on the formation of a new government in Israel. This comes just weeks after one of the worst series of atrocities carried out against the Palestinian people in the past 40 years. We in the Labour Party have consistently condemned the actions taken, which are contrary to the principles of international law. Anyone who has read our party website recently will know our MEP for the Dublin area, Proinsias De Rossa, visited Gaza recently and has given a clear account of the devastation caused in the area.

Many people in the Chamber have also spent time in the area, although perhaps not since the bombings. Senator Norris was in Gaza as recently as last year with a delegation that also included Senator Daly. They are, therefore, very aware of the issues in that territory. It is important that all sides now work together to ensure the ceasefire currently in place holds. The Labour Party supports the motion today because it will send out a clear message from the House that it supports what all sides are doing to maintain and formalise the ceasefire.

In any conflict, the cessation of violence is the essential step to achieving a lasting and permanent resolution. We want to express our support for the talks being mediated by Egypt, involving an array of Palestinian political groups. I am glad to note that in recent days there appears to have been a positive move from Hamas and Fatah to improve relations with each other. It is hoped that this is setting the mood for a successful outcome to the Egyptian talks. It could lead to a more unified position from the Palestinians when it comes to dealing with the Israeli Government. If this were to occur it could be a significant breakthrough. Many times in the past we have seen that any disagreement within the ranks of the Palestinians can be used by others to divide and conquer. Having broad support for any policy across the Palestinian people could be a very positive breakthrough.

I hope the announcement that the US will send $900 million in aid to the Gaza Strip will help to concentrate minds. Let us be in no doubt that if we can come up with solutions the international community will not be found wanting with regard to putting more money into this area if a firm settlement with Israel is agreed. In the past, too much of the aid going to the territories has been wasted and all interests need to recognise the importance of unity.

I heard the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Power, speak about the commitments that Irish Aid has made in recent years. I am aware that potentially the Irish Aid programme could be hit by cutbacks but I reiterate our support for anything the Minister of State does to ensure aid goes towards the Palestinian people. If an agreement can be found it will be money very well spent. Nobody in this country would want to see us shy away from commitments to the people or from providing help to the Palestinians.

Next week's donor conference in Egypt offers significant opportunities. I am glad to see that it is the first visit to the Middle East by a senior member of the new Obama Administration as Hillary Clinton will be there, as will our Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin. This is good news because there is a pressing need for a full reopening of Gaza's border crossing with Israel and they can help to put on pressure.

I pass on my party's best wishes to those involved in the talks on the formation of a new Government which are taking place in Tel Aviv. President Shimon Perez has a very difficult task negotiating a stable coalition in Israel, bearing in mind the complex political landscape that exists there. It seems likely that Kadima led by Tzipi Livni or Likud led by Benjamin Netanyahu will lead the country's next Government. Whoever comes to power will have to take on board other parties in coalition, and we all appreciate the difficulties this will bring.

The outcome of the process must lead to a Government that is united in its determination to agree a just and lasting peace with the Palestinians. While I am in no way expressing support for any particular candidate, I was encouraged by Tzipi Livni's description of the recent election results as the expression of a new social movement. Despite the repeatedly militaristic approach taken by Israel, there is a significant rump within that state which opposes the current occupation of Palestinian lands.

The voice of the radicals has held too much sway and if Ms Livni's analysis is correct, whoever assumes the premiership will have to reflect the moderate element that currently exists within Israeli society at large, which would be good news. We need the force of reason to defeat the force of militarism. Our hope is that the new Israeli Government will work for peace and we all wish the negotiators in Israel and Egypt well in their endeavours.