Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein)

Last month's ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas gave the impression there would be some sort of peace and order. We all support and want peace but without justice, there can be no peace. If there is not self-determination, freedom of movement, access to education and access to hospitals and health services, peace will not last very long. This is called a ceasefire and it is worrying that media attention has moved away and been drawn to other conflicts and issues in the world. The reality is there is no ceasefire in Gaza. There is no peace in Gaza. A total of 327 Gazans have been killed by Israel in the past month, 136 of whom were children. Clearly, there is no peace.

Almost half of Gaza is occupied by Israel now and the rest of the population has been squeezed into the other half. The genocide continues. The famine, hunger and starvation is still continuing. There has been an increase in aid but nowhere near enough. All of the infrastructure that allows for healthy lives has been destroyed. There is no sign that will be addressed. Israel continues to bomb and shoot civilians. There are thousands of tonnes of aid on the border in warehouses outside of Gaza and it is not getting in. Israel is still dismantling the place. Ultimately, the US is a rogue state now. It has stepped outside international law. There is no sense there is accountability for Israel. Without accountability, there will be no justice. Without justice, there will be no long-term peace.

The Irish Government needs to stay focused on it. Unfortunately, just before the last election, we thought the occupied territories Bill would be introduced and passed. It was said it would be done within 12 months. It has been 12 months now and there is still no sign of the occupied territories Bill being passed. There is a real concern that the Government will either not pass the occupied territories Bill or pass a watered-down version. We have to continue to keep our eyes on Gaza. We have to hear and see the people in Gaza and stand up and work for a lasting, just peace.