Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We all watch in absolute horror as the horrific scenes from Gaza get more and more devastating. More than 23,000 people in Gaza have been killed since the Hamas attack, 70% of whom were women and children. Yesterday, I convened a meeting with my Fine Gael colleagues and Sadaka – The Ireland Palestine Alliance. That group's biggest concern right now is Gaza's newest deadly threat, starvation. The majority of people in Gaza are experiencing famine right now. That is on top of being displaced, not having access to clean water and being at risk of disease. People there are living under constant deadly threat. There are attacks and bombings and now starvation and the world looks on. What Israel is doing is far beyond disproportionate. I spent time in Palestine and am particularly passionate about this issue. I am proud that Ireland has been a lonely voice on the international stage in support of the people of Palestine. However, right now it is South Africa's voice that is lonely. What is the Government's response to the South African court case?

See this speech in context