Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views regarding the recent interception by Israeli forces of the flotilla sailing to Gaza with basic equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47826/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I have stated repeatedly that the overall restrictions placed on Gaza by Israel are unjustified and counterproductive and I have called for the blockade to be lifted. However, in circumstances where groups in Gaza continue to fire missiles at Israel, primarily at civilian targets, as has been happening again in the last week, Israel is entitled to interdict supplies of arms destined for Gaza, and therefore to detain and search cargoes. Non-military goods, however, should then be allowed to enter. I have seen reports that the ship recently intercepted was carrying supplies of basic non-military goods. I have also seen reports that the cargo in question was then transferred to Gaza by land; I should say, however, that I have no direct information to verify either of these reports.

While I have every respect for the motives of those engaged in these efforts, these repeated attempts to break an enforced naval blockade have been both dangerous and, I would suggest, counter-productive. There is a risk that the flotillas themselves will become the focus of political discussion rather than the issue of Gaza itself. Shipments into Gaza, even if unimpeded, can never provide more than a fraction of the needs of the territory. Much larger volumes enter the territory daily both from Israel and in smuggling tunnels which stretch across the border with Egypt. The key issue is not sea access but persuading Israel to lift the restrictions on land shipments, which are the only way in which the needs of Gaza can be met.