Over the past two months, all of our hearts and minds have been with the people of Gaza, as they continue to endure horrific conditions under the ongoing bombardment by Israel. We utterly condemn the brutal 7th October attack by Hamas, and have expressed our deep condolences to all those in Israel who were bereaved or injured on that awful day. We have consistently called for the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. But we believe that Israel’s grotesque retaliation has amounted to a clear breach of international law, and we are deeply distressed by the rising civilian death toll in Gaza and in particular the horrors of watching so many children die under this carpet bombing campaign. We have received thousands of emails from the people across the country, seeking an end to the awful killings of civilians, and expressing solidarity with Palestinian women, men and children under siege. We in Labour stand with the people of Ireland in calling for a permanent ceasefire, an end to civilian deaths and the release of all hostages. We continue to support the imposition of sanctions upon Israel and demand a stop to Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian land. We will continue to work for a two-state resolution to achieve a lasting peace in the region.
Closer to home, we have also seen the awful attack on children and their carer outside a school in Parnell Square on 23rd November, and the riots that took place later that day and evening on the streets of our beloved capital city, orchestrated by the far-right movement. I want to express my heartfelt sympathies from everyone in Labour to all those injured in the attack, particularly the child and carer who remain in hospital, and to their families. I would also like to reiterate our profound gratitude to all those brave bystanders who intervened to prevent even worse injuries; to the emergency service workers, An Garda Síochána and Dublin City Council workers who helped to restore security and normalcy to the city in the wake of the riots.
Now more than ever, our Labour vision of social democracy and socialism is required to tackle and challenge the spread of far-right co-option of ideas, and manipulation of vulnerable and disenfranchised people. The far-right have nothing to offer beyond hate. It is our role, as a party of the left, to show an alternative way, for a society based on equality, solidarity and fairness, an inclusive and pluralist society.
As we approach New Year 2024 – an election year – I would encourage all of you to join us out canvassing as our fantastic candidates get out knocking on doors and doing their utmost to share this Labour vision. By coming together and sharing our social democratic values, we are working to combat the far-right and to ensure a safe and welcoming community for everyone in Ireland.
I look forward to meeting you all on the campaign trail. In the meantime, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
In solidarity,
Ivana.