Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I thank him for coming to the Seanad to give Members an update on recent events in Gaza. I start by offering my condolences to the Turkish Government and people as well as to the families of those killed during the Israeli commando raid on the humanitarian flotilla off the coast of Gaza. Like everyone else, I was shocked as the events unfolded on Monday morning. I followed the news bulletins as information slowly seeped out about what had occurred on the high seas. When it became clear that the raid had happened in international waters, I could not believe the Israeli authorities had once again acted in defiance of the overwhelming wishes of the international community.

I commend the Minister, Deputy Martin, not just for the way he has responded to the latest crisis but also for the interest he has maintained in the Middle East region, especially Gaza, since his appointment. He is right to say that Israel is pushing back the line on what is regarded as acceptable in the name of security. It is time for the international community to say "stop". There is no excuse for the deaths of those who died on the flotilla. This was underlined in the motion passed by the United Nations Security Council. It is rare for such a unanimous declaration to be achieved. That it happened so swiftly shows that Ireland is far from alone in telling Israel that this is simply not acceptable. I echo the Minister's call for a full independent inquiry to establish what happened during the early hours of Monday. The information that has been coming out has been one-sided. It appears that Israel has denied those people it has detained their rights, while its public relations machine was activated to give just one side of the story.

The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs had invited the Israeli ambassador to address it tomorrow but I understand he has declined, which is very disappointing. It is more necessary than ever that we should hear from him and have a full discussion with him. I welcome the fact the Minister has already met with one of our citizens who witnessed the events and has spoken directly to the humanitarian ship MV Rachel Corrie, both yesterday and today.

While we are appalled at what has happened, we should also look at the behaviour of the Israeli authorities since the deaths. The Minister was correct when he strongly came out against what was effectively the kidnapping of our citizens. Despite the best efforts of the Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv, access to our citizens has been extremely unsatisfactory during their time in detention. Israel has an obligation to recognise the consular rights of Irish people which did not happen. I welcome the fact people are being finally released and commend the Department of Foreign Affairs, our colleagues in the Dáil, the Taoiseach and the Minister for the pressure they brought to bear to help bring about a resolution.

We must now hear their side of the story. I encourage the Government to meet these captives on their release and take note of their accounts of what happened.

Our priority now must be the safety of the MV Rachel Corrie and those on board including five Irish citizens. I join the calls of the Minister and the Taoiseach in demanding this humanitarian ship be allowed continue its mission. In light of the tragedy that has unfolded, it is not an unreasonable request to ask that the ship be allowed to sail on to Gaza. The supplies it has on board will be welcomed by the local besieged population. I urge the Minister to remain engaged with Israel to secure this result and at the very least ensure no threat is issued against the MV Rachel Corrie.

Ireland has a proud record in the Middle East, calling for peace at every opportunity, restraint and respect between Israel and its neighbours. We have to remain engaged with many governments in the region, including Israel, and encourage negotiations to bring about a settlement acceptable to all.

However, the situation in Gaza is unacceptable. Easing the plight of the people in Gaza was the sole purpose of the flotilla's mission. Many Members, including the Minister, have seen at first hand the situation on the ground. I remember the Minister recalling a visit to a boys' school built from metal containers.

The food shortages, lack of building supplies and the pumping of raw sewage into the sea have led to a critical point. Those on the flotilla were not violent and their intentions were good. There is no excuse for what we saw unfold off the coast of Gaza.

The Government is unequivocal in its demand for the illegal blockade to be lifted. I urge the Minister to use every possible opportunity to achieve that goal.

I hope Israel will reflect on the bloodshed that has occurred and allow the MV Rachel Corrie and its humanitarian cargo safe passage.