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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Gaza humanitarian law

Summary

Deputy Cairns described the bombardment of Gaza and called out the failure of international bodies to clearly name breaches of law. The Taoiseach replied that all breaches of international humanitarian law and attacks on civilians were condemned.

On Sunday night there were 320 separate missile strikes on Gaza and on Monday that number was 400. The bombing is relentless and the carnage is unprecedented. More than 2,000 children have been killed. There are no words to describe the tragedy. Many world leaders are providing political and military support. The EU eventually managed to agree that Israel should abide by international law, but has yet to release a statement clearly stating that Israel is in breach of international law and is committing war crimes by the second. On Sunday, as Israel increased its bombardment of Gaza, France, Germany, Italy, the UK and America released yet another statement endorsing Israel's right to defend itself. However, Israel's actions are not a defence; they are an attempted annihilation of Gaza and its people. It is unbelievable that world leaders who profess to champion human rights are refusing to demand a stop to the consistent murder of innocent civilians. In its motion last week, the Government did not condemn the Israeli attacks. Will the Taoiseach do that now?

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Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

We condemn all breaches of international humanitarian law and any attempts to target civilians by violence for political ends, whether they happen here or in Israel, Palestine or wherever the perpetrators are.

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