Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I also want to raise the situation in Gaza and Israel. The situation has obviously become so dangerous, it is necessary for us to schedule time to discuss the hostilities there. A decisive international intervention is needed to end the hostilities and bring about a lasting resolution to the Palestinian question. We need a discussion about what role Ireland can play to show leadership and to work with the international community to secure peace. Remember that Ireland can be very constructive on these issues. We have shown that before and the Oireachtas has found consensus on these issues, including recognising the state of Palestine. We have condemned the annexation and confiscation of land, while at the same time the international community has facilitated the breach of international law, collective punishment, the annexation of land and an apartheid regime. Can I remind the House that Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention states that it is illegal for an occupying power to "deport or transfer parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies"? Ireland needs to move beyond what has often been a good analysis of the situation in the Middle East and press our international partners.The international community cannot stand idly by as this dangerous situation intensifies. The targeting of civilians is completely wrong and the deaths of the young people are horrific. Equally, the bombardment of Gaza is to be condemned. There is a new urgency for decisive international intervention and rigorous and impartial international leadership.