I wish to continue on the same theme in relation to the attack on Iran, which was clearly unjustified and, more importantly, represents a violation of the United Nations Charter and the multilateral system. These attacks were undertaken at a time when there were ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran. Western powers' track record on military interference in the Middle East has been disastrous. Decades of invasions, occupations and bombardment have resulted in immense loss of life and long-term destabilisation. The actions of Israel towards the people of Palestine, which are ongoing despite a ceasefire being in place, are clearly a continuation of the genocide. The attacks in recent days serve to create instability in the Middle East and to deflect domestic investigations away from the leaders of the United States and Israel - in the case of Trump, the investigation of his potential links to the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein, and in the case of Netanyahu, to take the focus off his ongoing trial for bribery and fraud. Despite earlier promises by the British, they have decided to join the war by permitting the United States use of their naval bases.

It is clear that being part of a military alliance brings with it its own peer pressure. Being uncomfortable with the morality or, indeed, the legality of the actions does not count when you have signed up to the club. There is a stark lesson for us in that. I agree entirely with Senator Clonan's analysis of Iran's treatment of its own people, but if anyone for one minute thinks that is the justification for Trump and Netanyahu, they are living in cloud-cuckoo-land. If that were the case, a multitude of countries across the world would be invaded. When we see how the United States and Israel treat their own people, we can understand that while that may be the reason put forward, it is certainly not the real reason behind this.

There must be a cessation of attacks and a return to diplomacy. I call on our Government to condemn these actions and to speak out as a neutral, credible voice against unprovoked military aggression. I share the unease of many about the Taoiseach's recent statement that Ireland is militarily standing with Ukraine. Ireland is militarily a neutral country, not from the position of opting out of international conflict and disputes, but reflecting the contribution we can make to peace and dialogue based on our experience.

The lesson in recent days, certainly when we see the British Government's very quick move from opting out to opting in, is that being part of the club, being part of a military alliance, as some people would have us be, does not give you a veto over the motivation or the justification created by others for prosecuting their wars. We do not have to go too far back in history to see that people's survival in political terms and people's financial interests in evading prosecution have been behind many a war being started or the lengthening of many wars which should have come to an earlier end. We need to be protective of our neutrality. It is a very precious thing for us and it gives us a standing in the world which removes us from that type of behaviour.

Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome the students from St. Kilian's German School, Clonskeagh, to Seanad Éireann. I do not know what the German for "No homework for the rest of the week" is, but níl aon obair bhaile don chuid eile den tseachtain. That is the Irish version of it.

I welcome, for the second time, Bobby Nealon, who is a guest of Senator Mark Duffy. He was here earlier. He is on the list. You are welcome back, Bobby.