Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I again raise the issue of Palestine. I sometimes feel that people might consider me a broken record or, even worse, that they will switch off and not listen to the latest update on what is happening to the Palestinian people. There is such a steady flow of bad news, broken promises and hideous oppression that it can render even compassionate people desensitised to the point of absolute numbness. We cannot let that happen. We need to reckon fully with the destruction being wrought by Israel and with the complicity of the international community, including Ireland. Violence, discrimination and repression are making everyday life impossible and unbearable for the Palestinian people. The ongoing Israeli invasion of the Jenin refugee camp is the largest military incursion into the occupied West Bank since the early 2000s. It comes just after a massive wave of settler violence against Palestinian people and property which occurred with tacit military support. Of the at least ten Palestinian people killed so far, two were teenagers. Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes by soldiers who had their guns drawn. The Israeli military has again deployed the cruel and illegal tactic of impeding ambulance services from aiding the wounded. I cannot stop thinking about the children being marched down the street, their already meagre homes destroyed, carrying their toys, their pets and whatever small comforts they have to hold onto. In Israel war crimes are committed and Palestinians are killed as a form of political theatre to prop up public support for a corrupt, racist and increasingly authoritarian government. Yet we the international community refuse to impose meaningful sanctions, a mockery is being made of international law, and the dignity and humanity of the Palestinians are being denied.

If Ireland continues its policy of inaction, we will betray the Palestinian people's belief in us. They do believe in us - or, rather, they assume that the solidarity and concern expressed for them by ordinary Irish people is reflected in the actions of our Government. It is heartbreaking and deeply shameful to admit that they are mistaken. I call for a debate, like other Senators here today, about Palestine, an opportunity for political parties to explain to their voters who care deeply about the fate of the Palestinian brothers and sisters what they intend to do about the escalation of Israeli violence. At what point, if any, will they be spurred into action? To any Palestinians watching this today, I want to say that your courage and steadfastness are remarkable and that the people of Ireland, if not the Government, stand with you in your struggle for freedom. I really encourage us to have a debate very soon on this issue. It is vital. What is happening over there today is horrific, and we cannot sit by any more and watch the horrendousness of the situation.