Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The conflict in Gaza witnessed a number of appalling incidents and alleged violations of international humanitarian law by both Israel and Hamas. I have called on several occasions — including at a meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council — for these incidents to be fully investigated and, where evidence of violations of international humanitarian law is adduced, for those responsible be held to account.

There have been a number of troubling new reports and allegations in recent days. These include the Human Rights Watch report on the use of white phosphorous by the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza, as well as a report by UN Special Rapporteurs to the Human Rights Council which contained allegations regarding, inter alia, the use by the Israeli Army of Palestinian children as human shields. In addition, a number of disturbing media reports have appeared regarding leaked testimony by Israeli soldiers deployed during the Gaza campaign which suggest the deliberate targeting and murder of civilians and destruction of personal property in Gaza by IDF personnel. All these reports merely serve to underline the need for a full, proper, independent investigation of all alleged violations of international humanitarian law committed during the Gaza conflict.

I welcomed the decision of UN Secretary General Ban to appoint a Board of Inquiry to examine certain incidents in which UN facilities were allegedly targeted during the conflict. I understand that the Board of Inquiry, which is headed by a former Secretary General of Amnesty International, hopes to present its report to Secretary General Ban in the very near future. The results of the Board of Inquiry will be awaited with very great interest and hopefully will strengthen the case for a fuller international investigation. The Israeli authorities have also established their own internal investigation into allegations made against the Israeli Defence Forces. However, I understand this investigation is still ongoing and no results have as yet been issued.