Israel

Delegation of Oireachtas Members to Conference of EU Affairs Committees Denounces Israel’s Actions


1 June 2010

At the initiative of the delegation of the Joint Committees on European Affairs and European Scrutiny, working together with their colleagues from Denmark, Sweden, Cyprus and Greece, the Conference of EU Affairs Committees (COSAC) agreed in Madrid today a strong statement on Israel’s military operation against a humanitarian convoy of ships bound for Gaza.

The joint statement agreed by all the national parliaments of 27 EU Member States condemns the use of violence and supports the demands by the EU for an immediate, full and impartial inquiry into the events surrounding Israel’s military operation.

COSAC also supported the EU’s call for an immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza.

The delegation is led by Deputies John Perry and Bernard Durkan, Chairmen of the Joint Committees and includes the Vice-Chairman of the EU Affairs Committee, Deputy Timmy Dooley as well as Deputies Lucinda Creighton, Michael Mulcahy and Joe Costello.

Chairman Durkan said:
“The attack by Israeli forces on a humanitarian mission attempting to deliver much needed supplies to the people of Gaza is totally unacceptable and a disproportionate use of force. The seriousness of this event must not be underestimated. There must be a full and impartial investigation into the attack, which occurred in international waters. "

On behalf of the Irish delegation, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who were killed and wish all those injured a speedy recovery.”

Vice-Chairman Dooley added:
“I am shocked at Israel’s callous disregard for human life and its attack on a humanitarian convoy which presented no apparent threat to the citizens or State of Israel. It is clear that the attack, which occurred in international waters, is a breach of international law and further to an independent international investigation appropriate action must be taken by the European Union”.