Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

To be honest, I am finding it difficult to put into words how disgusted and horrified I am at the shameful disregard for human life in Gaza yesterday. I spent the last week in Palestine meeting both Israeli and Palestinian human rights organisations and other amazing people across Gaza and the West Bank. I came back into Leinster House yesterday morning ready to share their stories, just as news emerged of the horrific, mounting death toll.

It is almost surreal to be back in Dublin. Just days ago, I stood in Gaza at the exact same meeting point near the border fence where the protests are taking place and I got to speak to those living under a brutal, 11-year blockade and occupation. The sense of hopelessness was very clear. Israel's inhumane blockade has confined 2 million people to suffering in an open air prison. The lack of access to water, electricity and healthcare was difficult to take, but the very real despair in people's voices was even worse. They pleaded with us and asked why the international community is not doing anything for them. They asked why they were left there to deal with this situation. I saw it clearly. I am so upset. I felt the hopelessness of many people. They had just given up.

Senator Craughwell asked why people bring children to those demonstrations. They have no other choice. They do not know what else to do. They are feeling hopeless. They are choosing death because they do not know what else to do. Over 50% of the people in the region are unemployed. They are all young people. They are sick of life in an open air prison.

We hear that another life has been lost today. When I went to Hebron I spoke with a man from Breaking the Silence who said that when he was in the Israeli army, shooting the Palestinian people was like playing a video game. They all cheer and laugh when they shoot somebody. It is absolutely horrendous, and I am appalled.

It is time now for change, and this Government has to do something about that. The sad reality is that nothing will change until the European Union and the wider international community puts pressure on Netanyahu's Government. Years of empty condemnation simply has not worked.