Reports from Gaza this week reflect the utterly horrific and worsening suffering of people there. It is not only the 30,000 dead under the brutal Israeli bombardment but now we are seeing children in Gaza dying of starvation. It is appalling, a man-made famine unfolding before our eyes in Gaza, with despairing families and aid workers, and stalling on peace talks. We still see this relentless, ongoing, genocidal bombardment by Israel. We clearly must renew our efforts, on a cross-party basis here at home, in calling for peace and being a voice for peace. Can the Minister update this House on what his Government is doing at EU level to ensure there is a voice for peace coming from Europe? Can he say if his party is going to back Ursula von der Leyen for a second term as President of the European Commission, given that she has clearly been more pro-Israel than the people of Ireland would wish, particularly given what we have seen in Gaza?

On the issue of President von der Leyen, I think the Taoiseach has outlined a very different perspective from Ireland than, perhaps, the perspective that she has outlined at different times. However, I think President von der Leyen has done an extraordinary job if you look at the role she has played in the round over the last number of years. She has, I think, given extraordinary leadership in the Commission. I think we make a different argument in terms of emphasis than she has perhaps done with regard to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

That is one way to put it.

Ireland continues to be the most vocal country in the European Union regarding the humanitarian disaster that has unfolded in Gaza, and we will continue to be that vocal voice. Calling for a ceasefire, as we have done for months, is now the mainstream position, and we are calling for the release of hostages and a massive humanitarian aid effort to be facilitated into Gaza as soon as possible.