Frances Black (Independent)

As the Leader is probably aware, the Global Sumud Flotilla set sail in late August and has travelled for over 30 days towards Gaza to deliver lifesaving aid to Palestinians in the midst of an horrific genocide. Among the aid is baby formula and lifesaving medical care. We all know that in Gaza we are witnessing a 21st century genocide broadcast in real time. We have seen the footage of innocent children starving for the lack of food or medical care, with sunken eyes and visible rib cages, while infant formula is rotting on trucks just a few miles away. I think of my own beautiful grandchildren and every day my heart breaks at how obviously, unforgivably and criminally wrong this is. The question we here as politicians have to ask ourselves is would we accept this for our children, and will we able to look them in the eyes in the years to come if we cannot obviously say we did everything in our power stop it?

In the next 24 hours, that flotilla with Irish citizens will be entering a high-risk zone and will embark on the most dangerous leg of the mission to break Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip. They are doing what governments should be doing, to be fair. So far, Spain, Italy and Turkey have sent naval ships to accompany over 40 vessels with delegations of peace activists from all around the world. It has been reported that Israel now plans to intercept vessels and that those aboard the ships who refuse to be voluntarily deported will be arrested.

I met with some of the families of the Irish citizens who are on the flotilla today and they would like to see a strong public statement coming from the Government to say this is wrong, and to say to Israel, "Enough is enough". What Israel is doing is illegal. It is breaking international law. The world is watching and nobody is doing anything. The Irish people are up in arms about it so we really serious action and no more talking. We need action and we need the Irish Government to really put pressure on Israel to stop what it is doing.We do not know if people in the flotilla are going to be killed tonight. Irish citizens could be killed tonight or arrested. We really need the Government to stand up and be strong and brave. It needs to say enough is enough and stand up to Israel.