Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I want to return to the desperate situation unfolding in Lebanon and the ongoing carnage we are seeing in Gaza and the West Bank. I heard Munier and Gadier Zabad speak on "Morning Ireland" this morning. They are among the Irish families fearing for their safety and are now trapped in Lebanon with no way out while under brutal Israeli bombardment. We are seeing an horrific escalation of the awful conflict in the Middle East and more unthinkable levels of civilian casualties. Israel continues, it appears, to act with impunity in causing such carnage and an horrific level of death. As others have done, I call on the Minister to use every diplomatic lever at Ireland's disposal to help to bring an end to the carnage and make Israel accountable. Last week, I called on the Government to pass the occupied territories Bill. It was indicated that the Government was seeking the advice of the Attorney General on the prospect of passing the Bill. When will we see that advice and get an answer as to whether we can pass the Bill? We also need accountability for the fact that planes carrying military equipment for Israel have passed through Irish airspace. It is a very serious finding.

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