Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I return to the issue of Israel's blockade of Gaza. It is evident that the blockade has produced an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, perhaps the worst since the Israeli occupation began in 1967. Israel is now in contravention of the Geneva Convention. As an occupying force, it is responsible for the welfare of 1.5 Palestinians in Gaza. Although it has indicated it has disengaged from Gaza, it remains in effective control of the area and is, under Article 55 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, still responsible for it.

Israel is also flying in the face of the agreement on movement and access signed in 2005. It is clearly not listening to world opinion, including the views of its close friend and supporter, the United States. If Israel does not respond to the humanitarian crisis, it should be brought before an international tribunal and held responsible for the suffering it is inflicting on women and children in Gaza. If the world does not speak out and demand such a tribunal we, too, will be found wanting at the bar of history when this matter is judged subsequently.