I want to raise the treatment of the 14 Irish citizens and hundreds of other civilians illegally held by the State of Israel. After the genocidal campaign of violence mounted by the IDF in Gaza, much of it documented by Palestinian victims on the ground, we felt we could not be shocked any further. Yet, the images and videos of Israel's national security minister, Ben-Gvir, haranguing prisoners who were bound and kneeling before him reveals a new element of performative cruelty. It brings to mind the pictures of detainees in Guantanamo Bay or in Iraq that leaked online following the invasion of that country. Even the then American Administration had the sense of shame to try to conceal the images of abuse undertaken in their name but here, we see no shame. Instead we see an Israeli Government minister in a state that claims to be democratic and claims to uphold the rule of law brazenly parading his power over captives. If we look at the current political situation in Israel, the reason becomes more clear. There is a debate going on in the Knesset about a Bill that could dissolve the Israeli Parliament early and force a snap election. This is while the current Israeli Government is behind in the opinion polls, so Irish citizens are being used as props by the minister, Ben-Gvir, in his pre-election campaign. This is a new low from the far-right parties that prop up Netanyahu's regime. While our immediate focus is on the treatment of these civilians, we must not forget why they are imprisoned in an Israeli port. While sailing in international waters, these civilians had their boats boarded and were captured and taken away at gunpoint. In any other circumstance, we would describe it like it is - an act of piracy by the Government of Israel which is again showing why that country has become a pariah in the international community. Earlier this morning, the Minister clarified that the 14 Irish citizens are among those being deported to Turkey. Does she and her officials know if any of the Irish citizens have been physically harmed in any way while they were imprisoned? What meaningful steps will Ireland take against the Israeli Government for its brazen breeches of international humanitarian law?

Sentiment score: -0.14

I want to broaden this discussion to the future of the State of Palestine. In less than five weeks' time Ireland takes on the Presidency of the European Union. The Minister will personally chair meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council and the General Affairs Council. It is a unique privilege and it is a unique responsibility. Does the Minister intend to put the question of EU support for Palestinian statehood on the agenda of those meetings? Our recognition of Palestinian statehood in 2024 was an important moment but the Minister's Government cannot keep referring back to that as if our responsibilities are fulfilled. To be clear, I am not talking about humanitarian funding or agreements on tax revenue withholding, I am asking if the Minister intends to put that existential question of Palestinian statehood at the centre of the EU meetings she will chair, where she will set the agenda over the next six months.

Sentiment score: 0.29