Fifteen brave Irish people took part in the Global Sumud Flotilla, putting their own safety at risk to once again bring the eyes of the world back to Gaza. I commend the courage of the activists, and in particular Caitriona Graham. Her inspiring peaceful resistance, chanting "Free, Free Palestine" resulted in her being violently forced to the ground. We always knew those detained were treated despicably but this video that has emerged has shocked the world. It shows clearly the disgraceful actions of Israel and its far-right ministers. There are reports of sexual harassment, broken ribs, hospitalisations and more. However, this is nothing new. It is a deliberate policy by Israel to degrade and dehumanise those opposed to its crimes against Palestinians. The difference this time is that the victims are Europeans. It is eight years since the occupied territories Bill was first introduced in the Seanad, and 18 months since the general election when both the Minister’s party and Fianna Fáil promised to pass the occupied territories Bill. Since then, we have had vacillation, dilution and backtracking on services. I do note the Minister’s update that was put on the record of the House earlier this morning and again a few moments ago. In that time, nearly 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and almost 70,000 injured. Seven months into a so-called ceasefire, aid is still restricted into Gaza resulting in an ongoing humanitarian disaster, and Israel has introduced the death penalty for Palestinians. When it comes to this regime of apartheid, when is enough, enough? Let us be clear that the actions of Ben-Gvir are the actions of a fascist; no more, no less. The actions of a man who did and said the quiet thing, out loud. This should come as no surprise to any of us. This behaviour is enabled by a sick regime that knows it can commit genocide with no consequences, and Netanyahu’s empty condemnation means nothing. This is political expediency. There is no sign of Ben-Gvir being sacked or tried. It seems the Taoiseach has finally found his voice. It is high time he turned his anger into action but letters and words are no longer enough. The EU’s approach to the systematic crimes of Israel has been contemptible; an abrogation of both our legal and moral responsibilities. If European values are to mean anything again and if we are to recover some moral authority on the world stage, the EU-Israeli Association Agreement must be suspended now, not in a month's time. This is a real test for Ireland, especially over the next few months. Will the Minister officially commit to this objective and set this as a test for the success of our EU Presidency? Ireland has given some hope to the Palestinian people by our actions but we need to do more. My colleague, Deputy Smith, accused the Government of mothballing the occupied territories Bill and I note the Minister’s comments earlier on. We have been told that we can expect the Bill soon. Why not pass the occupied territories Bill next week? Let us clear the decks and pass the Bill next week. Will the Minister also prioritise the suspension of EU-Israel trade agreement during Ireland’s EU Presidency?

Sentiment score: -0.05

If the vote at EU level does not go the way of Ireland, Slovenia and others - I am assuming our colleagues in Spain will support that initiative as well - what will the Minister do? Will she take action to work unilaterally towards the aim she has expressed, namely, the suspension of the trade element of the EU-Israel agreement? We are at the point now that the mere suspension of the trade element simply does not go far enough. This is an apartheid state that does not share the same liberal, democratic values as the European Union. We use trade to promote the values of the European Union but make exceptions in this case. I also note the Minister's commitment to finally bringing in draft legislation in respect of the occupied territories Bill. Can she commit on the floor of the House today to ensure that services are included in that Bill as she has committed to previously in the context of her party's manifesto and the commitments that were made in the programme for Government?

Sentiment score: 0.45