Fianna Fáil and Progressive Democrat backbenchers have condemned Israel's treatment of Palestinians, despite pleas from the Department of Foreign Affairs not to do so.
A highly critical motion, moved by Dublin South Central TD Mr Michael Mulcahy (FF), was debated at yesterday's Oireachtas European Affairs Committee meeting.
It accused the Israeli army of "severe human rights violations" in the West Bank and Gaza, which continue to be committed despite "repeated" calls by the European Union for an end to the violence.
Though it welcomed Israel's stated intention to withdraw 7,000 settlers from Gaza, the motion warned that this must be part of a wider peace deal. It noted with regret Israel's continued building of a wall encircling the West Bank.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr Noel Treacy, failed to persuade the committee not to press the motion to a vote. The committee voted in favour, with the exception of Independent Senator Feargal Quinn.
