Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I send our condolences to the families of Kim Damti and Emily Hand. I think of the families of our Oireachtas colleagues who are working in Palestine and offer condolences to all who have lost family members and friends. The date 10/7 is our new 9/11. The horrific events in New York at that time were the result of a very deliberate and long-planned campaign and so were the events of 7 October. That day should be forever etched in our souls as the collapse of humanity. Every one of us must absolutely and unequivocally condemn the horrific actions of Hamas.

We have all seen the harrowing media reports. We have all seen, on our phones and screens and in our newspapers, the awful photographs and have read the awful stories from families on both sides of the conflict. I commend the Tánaiste on the measured approach he has taken to this hugely complex geopolitical issue. The €13 million in aid that was announced yesterday is important, significant and welcome.

We regularly debate political issues in this House, issues of importance to our country and to the world, but this is on a different scale. There have been atrocities on both sides. Innocent young people at a music festival were shot. Apartment blocks have been wiped out. Civilian infrastructure has been targeted. Water, electricity and basic provisions have been cut off. These are horrific, inhumane actions on both sides. As John Hume said:

Difference is of the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace – respect for diversity.

John Hume was rarely wrong. In this, he was never more right. We absolutely must call for a ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach those now in desperate need in Gaza. We need humanitarian corridors and the release of hostages immediately and unconditionally. We in the international community have a role to play. We must work urgently to de-escalate the situation.