Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The horrendous slaughter in Israel over the weekend was promptly and unequivocally condemned by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Government. Indeed, I believe those words of condemnation have been uttered from all political parties in these Houses of the Oireachtas. For words of condemnation to have credibility and genuine meaning, they must have consistency. I am disappointed that others around the world could not bring themselves to condemn such wanton waste of life and slaughter. Murder is murder.

We know only too well in this country that if one wants to achieve a political aim, as many do, for instance, of a united Ireland, the greatest friend of those aspiring to a united Ireland has been the silencing of the bombs and guns. At this stage, it is vitally important that Ireland, which is near uniquely placed as an independent peace broker, does all it can to have a de-escalation and ceasefire and ensure the release of all persons captured. We must open immediately the corridors of power and use all our political powers of persuasion and diplomacy to appeal to Israel to use the absolute maximum restraint - while I accept everyone has a right to defence. If there is a disproportionate response, it will act as a recruitment sergeant for Hamas. It will dangerously lead to a possibly contagious situation in the Middle East. It is already on a powder keg and a knife edge. Maximum restraint must be observed. The Irish contribution is now needed more than ever before and we have a track record in peace negotiations.

The Irish influence and voice must be heard at EU level. The EU must become more unified. It must condemn a collective punishment against innocent Palestinians. Many people in this House and Dáil Éireann have been consistent in condemning Israel in the past in its disproportionate, unprovoked, aggressive responses. We are now equally condemning the horrendous work of Hamas. This is the 9-11 for Israel. Ireland is an honest broker. We can be respected and our voice must be heard. I appeal for all of us to come together and ask how we can take the next steps in a cogent and specific way.