The Dáil has heard a joint cross-party motion calling on Israel to adhere to international law and not target the 50 vessel peace flotilla attempting to break the aid blockade on Gaza.
The flotilla, which is now less than 300km from Gaza, includes some 20 Irish citizens and hundreds of people from the EU, including Sinn Féin senator Chris Andrews and Independent TD Barry Heneghan.
Members of the Irish delegation of Global Sumud Flotilla have been meeting politicians at Leinster House.
The group is demanding safe passage for those partaking in the humanitarian mission to deliver aid to Gaza City, support from elected officials should an illegal interception occur and sanctions on the Israeli government for the crimes committed.
They have also asked for the Irish Navy to accompany the flotilla and for the Government to call on the EU to publicly intervene and send humanitarian naval support.
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Speaking in the Dáil, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris said: "I want to reiterate that no attacks should be allowed" on the flotilla.
He said he "wholeheartedly condemns" the attacks on the flotilla which have already happened, and insisted that "there should be no action taken by Israel".
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said "what we are witnessing now is not a war" but instead "23 months of Israel inflicting a barbaric attack on Gaza".
She said the "relentless bombardment" means "Gaza has been raised to the ground", and accused Israel's military of "intimidation, threat" of those on board the flotilla.
Addressing the Tánaiste, Deputy McDonald said: "I want to know what you're going to concretely do, now in the next 24 hours, what will the Oireachtas do" to protect Irish citizens on board the vessels.
Labour leader Ivana Bacik said "Israel must be held accountable" for what is happening in Gaza and for any attacks on the flotilla, while her party colleague Duncan Smith TD said "those [on the vessels] are not a threat to Israel" and that "we need real action now".
The sentiment was repeated by all other political groups in the Dáil.
Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns told family members of those on the flotilla, some of whom attended the Dáil public gallery for the debate: "I can't imagine how proud you must be, and how scared for their safety".
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