Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister, Deputy Martin, for coming to the Seanad to give a comprehensive report on this situation. I commend him, the Taoiseach and the Government on their united approach in this regard. There was a united statement from the Cabinet yesterday and it set a headline around the world on this issue. The Minister is, as far as I know, the only Foreign Minister in the European Union to visit Gaza. He was initially refused entry but was then allowed in to see the situation at first hand, as he mentioned in his report. It gives him a great insight into the situation in Gaza and the plight of 1.5 million people. It sets a tone for his work with the other ministers. I believe there should be a united approach by the foreign ministers of the European Union to consider all aspects of the situation in Gaza.

We are currently reacting to the tragic murder of nine Turkish citizens on the high seas, and the injuries of many more. We extend our sympathies to the families. Senator Mark Daly, Deputy Chris Andrews and Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh were also prepared to go on those ships with aid to Gaza. I commend them on their courage and commitment. I recall a visit to the West Bank, Jerusalem, Hebron and Ramallah by Deputies Eamon Gilmore, John Gormley and Aengus Ó Snodaigh, the late Tony Gregory, Senator John Paul Phelan and myself approximately four years ago. We were guests of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation and met the different factions there. We could not meet Hamas because its representatives were out of bounds as far as we were concerned due to their stance on Israel.

An independent international investigation must be conducted under the auspices of the European Union or the United Nations. There is no point having an investigation carried out by the perpetrators of this action; it would be a total whitewash. An excellent report was produced by the United Nations on the atrocities in the war of January 2009. A total of 1,200 people were killed then, yet nobody talks about it. It is a case of the reaction to the last atrocity. The event on Monday was a great tragedy, but 1,200 Palestinians were murdered or killed over 18 months ago. That is the reality on which we must focus. A solution must be found. What happened yesterday will pass from memory as international events take over and we move on to the next atrocity in the region.

With regard to action on Israel, I agree with the Minister that removing diplomatic missions is not an option. We must continue to have a conduit between this country and Israel, as two independent states. Israel must have a contact in Ireland. I regret that the ambassador will not attend the meeting tomorrow to put his point of view and to respond to our questions. The European Union gives massive aid and assistance. Baroness Ashton should play a role in this and summon a meeting of the Foreign Ministers, if one has not already been summoned, to discuss this issue and consider what action can be taken or what reprimand can be given to Israel. It should compensate the families that have been affected. Serious damage has been caused as a result of the nine murders or deaths and the 50 injured. The Irish citizens are safe and with regard to those on the high seas at present, the Taoiseach has made it clear that the ship should be protected and allowed to deliver its goods to the Gaza Strip.

With regard to the long-term position, Hamas must accept the right of the Israeli people and the State of Israel to exist. It cannot continue its policy. We are aware of this from the situation in this country with regard to recognition of Sinn Féin and the fact that the IRA has been disbanded. Sinn Féin is now in government in this country, and rightly so. Hamas should follow that example and not exploit the position of its people in the Gaza Strip.