Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister and thank him for his résumé of what happened on the high seas in recent days.

I extend my sympathy to the families of those who were murdered by Israeli forces and wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured. The attack on the flotilla trying to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza was a terrorist attack on citizens from many nations. It took place in international waters and showed poor judgment, to say the least, by Israeli forces and the Israeli Government. Their actions have succeeded in giving credence to some groups whose sole aim is to destabilise the Israeli state and will certainly increase the support for Hamas in the region. The attempts by various Israeli spokespersons to muddy the waters and try to put their own spin on events simply will not wash. They would be better off putting their hands up and admitting they got it wrong and apologise for their actions rather than trying to justify a totally disproportionate action which all right-thinking people condemn unreservedly. Israeli governments have never put the actions of their security forces under critical focus, but these events demand that this policy must change. The Turkish response is very telling, from a country that had close military and economic ties with Israel. These actions by the Israelis may result in Turkey having closer ties with Iran and this would have far-reaching consequences in the region.

The Israeli blockade of Gaza is illegal and it is about time the international community, especially America, acted to ensure humanitarian aid reaches the people in Gaza, who live in deplorable conditions as testified by the Minister after his visit to Gaza. UN Resolution 1860 states there should be unfettered access for food, medical supplies and commercial goods but this is simply not happening. John Ging is a champion from a humanitarian viewpoint. He has clearly outlined what is happening in Gaza and what the response of the international community should be. The Israeli Government remains a de facto occupying force since it decides what gets in and out of Gaza. Israel must honour parliamentary and international law by ending the blockade of Gaza. The deprivation visited on residents and especially the children of Gaza must stop. The ludicrous situation which prevents the entry of goods for hospitals, schools and materials to assist in the reconstruction of Gaza, must be ended. Hamas needs to get its act together and take strong action against activists who terrorise the Israeli people with rocket attacks every day. There is not one person in this House who would disagree with the fact that Israel has every right to defend its own state and its people but it is about time Israel showed some respect for international law and proved that it is truly interested in finding a meaningful and lasting peace in the region with a two-state solution, based on respect for each other and recognition by each side of the other's right to exist. It is my fervent hope that the recent atrocity, which must be condemned by all nations, may somehow refocus and ignite efforts to kick-start and revitalise efforts to find a solution to the problems of this region which are causing such strife globally. In the meantime, an international inquiry must be established immediately to establish the truth about how people were killed while undertaking a humanitarian mission to bring aid to Gaza. The findings of such an inquiry should be binding and there must be consequences for those held responsible for this needless loss of human life.

The European Union has been weak in responding to the attacks and to the blockade of Gaza. In fact, it appears to many that Israel was recently rewarded by the EU which supported its accession to the OECD, in blatant disregard of the human rights requirements of the OECD. How did the Minister allow this to happen, taking into consideration his views on the illegal blockade of Gaza and other matters? The House deserves an explanation from him on this matter.

The situation regarding the use of Irish passports by Mossad operatives in murdering a Hamas militant in Dubai, needs to be addressed now. Other countries have at least taken some action to emphasise that such actions will not be tolerated. What are the findings of the Minister's inquiry? What will be the Minister's response to this most serious matter? The report commissioned by the Minister must be published in the interests of openness and transparency. I hope the necessary action will be forthcoming from him in the very near future.

As a member of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, I had welcomed the opportunity to discuss the interception of the Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotilla with the Israeli Ambassador at a special meeting convened for tomorrow. I now understand that the ambassador has indicated he does not intend to fulfil his commitment to attend the meeting owing to unforeseen circumstances. He has been offered the opportunity to arrange an alternative date or to nominate a replacement but this has also been refused. This is far from being acceptable and is almost without precedent. As a member of the committee, I would have thought the ambassador had a responsibility to attend and answer relevant questions in an open and democratic forum, especially with regard to Irish citizens and their treatment. It is regrettable and unacceptable that this opportunity has been lost.

I concur with the Minister in wishing God speed and a safe passage to those on board the MV Rachel Corrie. Let us hope there will not be any violence and that the Israelis will allow the boat passage and unfettered access to deliver the aid to Gaza. This would be some small gesture after the debacle witnessed in recent days.