6 March 2008 Edition
Ó Snodaigh demands end to preferential trade with Israel after Gaza killings
Speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday, 4 March Sinn Féin International Affairs and Human Rights Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, called on the Irish Government to reassess Ireland’s relationship with Israel. Ó Snodaigh was speaking after Israel vowed to continue attacking Gaza despite killing 116 Palestinians including 22 children in the last week.
Speaking in the Dáil he said, “There is an urgent need for the Government to reassess Ireland’s relationship with Israel, particularly the preferential trade agreement with Israel, in light of recent attacks in Gaza which have killed at least 116 Palestinians including 22 children.
“These attacks have also wounded more than 350 and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has vowed to keep hitting Gaza with the possibility of air strikes, ground strikes and special operations not being ruled out. This will undoubtedly lead to further deaths.”
Speaking later Ó Snodaigh demanded that the Government end its preferential trade agreement with Israel in light of its continued human rights abuses.
He said, “Israel has a long history of human rights abuses against the people of Palestine. These abuses will continue until such a time when international pressure is brought to bear on this rogue state. The Irish Government has a role to play here and I feel they should take a lead in this and set an example to other European states that Ireland will not stand idly by while Israel continues to persecute the people of Palestine.
“The best way to do this would be to end the preferential trade agreement with Israel and I am demanding that they do just that.”
Speaking in the Dáil he said, “There is an urgent need for the Government to reassess Ireland’s relationship with Israel, particularly the preferential trade agreement with Israel, in light of recent attacks in Gaza which have killed at least 116 Palestinians including 22 children.
“These attacks have also wounded more than 350 and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has vowed to keep hitting Gaza with the possibility of air strikes, ground strikes and special operations not being ruled out. This will undoubtedly lead to further deaths.”
Speaking later Ó Snodaigh demanded that the Government end its preferential trade agreement with Israel in light of its continued human rights abuses.
He said, “Israel has a long history of human rights abuses against the people of Palestine. These abuses will continue until such a time when international pressure is brought to bear on this rogue state. The Irish Government has a role to play here and I feel they should take a lead in this and set an example to other European states that Ireland will not stand idly by while Israel continues to persecute the people of Palestine.
“The best way to do this would be to end the preferential trade agreement with Israel and I am demanding that they do just that.”