Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I have had reason to criticise Israel for its brutality. On several occasions we have been able to point to specific incidents when it targeted civilians and massacred women and children, about which we were told there would be an inquiry and that action would be taken, but that was the end of the matter. The state of Israel used Irish passports in its murderous deeds, against which many Members of this House stood up and spoke out. Again, we expected action to be taken but we got none. The massacre this week of the humanitarian aid workers is a terrorist act. If any other country committed the same act, it would be immediately dubbed a terrorist rogue state. It is vital at this stage, in addition to calling for justice in this case, that we also call for humanitarian concern and justice for the thousands suffering in the Gaza Strip. Those who seek to help them are murdered. As an independent state we must take a stand on the issue. It is also important that America turn its rhetoric into action because no other country can influence Israel. The arrogance shown by Israeli spokespersons is unbelievable. To compare in some way an iron bar to a weapon of mass destruction defies all credibility. At this stage, independent inquiries would lead nowhere because they would be forgotten until such time as Israel recognises the international conventions it has breached time and again. If the international powers and community do not do this, they may never again talk about human rights and the rights of independent countries because it will be shown clearly that there is a club operating in that regard.