Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and the Leader for the opportunity to observe that minute's silence for the people slaughtered in Gaza over recent days. I also second the amendment to the Order of Business by Senator Conway-Walsh. I wish to add to the calls by others for the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade should come before the House. I have listened to a number of his statements on this matter and on Senator Black's Bill on settlement goods.I have heard the Tánaiste and some of his colleagues in government advocate for a diplomatic approach to this issue as if Israel heeds diplomacy or has observed any diplomatic approach to this issue and as if we are dealing with a conventional war or conflict between two states when what we see being inflicted on the Palestinian people on the streets of Gaza constitutes genocide. It is calculated and deliberate slaughter and it is policy. There is no diplomatic response to this because, in the first instance, a willingness to work towards one is needed and there appears to be no willingness on the part of Israel, as Senator Lawlor said, to engage in conflict resolution. Israel's only aim is the ultimate removal of the Palestinian people. The Tánaiste said that he would pursue a response through the UN, as if the US will not block - if it has not already done so - any option to pursue a resolution to this or a reproach to Israel.

We have exercised our options and I appreciate fully the effort put in by the Tánaiste and his departmental officials. We are a small country with a small presence in respect of this issue, which has such geopolitical magnitude. I do not doubt that we have tried sincerely and valiantly in this regard but yesterday's events did not happen in isolation. This is not a one-off; it is a consistent, calculated, deliberate approach by Israel. Israel does not adhere to international law and, therefore, why should it be treated like another ordinary state? Israel engages in the practice of apartheid. It is a rogue state that is slaughtering people who are peacefully protesting. We should follow the example set by ourselves in the past and boycott apartheid as we did in respect of South Africa. In addition, we should follow the South African Government's example of expelling the Israeli ambassador. We should take that step and expel the Israeli ambassador. There is a time for dialogue and conflict resolution, which we know better than most, but there is also a time for action. The time for action has passed and we need to send a message to the Palestinian people who know all too well the consequences of conflict and colonialism that we stand by them and that we stand for justice, rights and, ultimately, peace. Israel does not.