We hear ominous reports from the Israeli Government that it intends to continue pursuing its genocidal war in Gaza until the end of this year and beyond, while it refuses to comply with the International Court of Justice ruling calling for an immediate halt to the military offensive in Gaza. We see children continuing to be killed in Gaza. We see what is happening in Rafah, which is horrific and a stain on our humanity. We need concrete action at EU level. Will the Government support Ursula von der Leyen for a second term even if she refuses to apply sanctions to Israel and refuses to review the EU trade agreement? In a week, Ireland will go to vote in the European elections. Only a vote for Labour candidates will deliver MEPs who will be members of the second largest group in the European Parliament, the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats. Only that group can challenge Ursula von der Leyen and the European People's Party for a second term. Will the Government continue to back Ursula von der Leyen even in light of her undue support for Israel?

The Deputy should acknowledge that two of the stronger MEPs on the Palestine question over the last four years have been Barry Andrews and Billy Kelleher. They have been robust, they have visited the area and they have been strong in respect of upholding the right of Palestinians to their homeland and state and having a fair resolution of the conflict. It is shocking that Israel has indicated this morning that this war could go to the end of the year. The suffering is horrific and the consequences are dire for Palestinians across Gaza and particularly in Rafah at the moment. That is why, at the last Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Monday, there was a call, which I supported, with a proviso that there would be a convening of the EU-Israel Association Council with a view to raising our grave concerns about what is happening. Regarding European institutions, much will depend on what happens in the European Parliament elections.