Chicago – April 11, 2025
Irish MEP Aodhan O Riordain speaking in Parliament on April 1st in Strasbourg, France said, “Israel continues to carry out severe atrocities, among the worst the world has seen in recent times. Just two weeks ago, this Parliament discussed its use of starvation as a weapon. Now, we witness attacks on healthcare workers and rescuers in Gaza. A mass grave was uncovered, holding 15 humanitarian workers reportedly executed and buried by an Israeli bulldozer—their only “crime” was wearing the Red Crescent”.
As relentless airstrikes hit Palestinians, mass evacuations are forced in southern Gaza, and new checkpoints further restrict movement in the West Bank, Israel also blocks vital medical aid and personnel. Yet, some in this Parliament call for defunding UNRWA—the last remaining agency capable of helping.
Meanwhile, Irish citizens Roberta Murray and Shane O’Brien are being deported from Germany for joining pro-Palestinian protests. These individuals show more courage than many MEPs here today. History will remember them as brave, and it will hold accountable those in this chamber who are complicit. It’s time to end the EU’s association agreement with Israel.
