Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I welcome the proposal for a debate on Gaza tomorrow evening. The actions of the Israeli forces against an international humanitarian flotilla were disproportionate. In this case, the word "disproportionate" is not even strong enough.

Like others, I call for an international inquiry to be held into yesterday's events so the truth will be known. It must be independent and international because I heard some American commentators suggest the inquiry should be conducted by Israel itself. Such a move would be unacceptable to any right-thinking nation. Israeli Governments have never put the actions of their security forces under critical focus in the past. It is now time they did.

Members on all sides of the House have asked for the lifting of the blockade on Gaza. It is important now the EU gets involved in the distribution of aid to the area. The EU needs to be stronger in this area. I call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs to impress upon his EU colleagues the need for the EU to become more actively involved in the situation. I hope the Americans will show good faith and honesty in this regard and bring Israel to heel as well.