Kilcummin’s Seán Kelly, MEP for Ireland South and Leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament, has spoken out against Israel and its Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in two separate speeches.

He has denounced what he called the "enforced famine" being imposed on the people of Gaza.

Speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday, Mr Kelly stated, "Words cannot do justice to the human indignity that Netanyahu's enforced famine imposes on innocent Gazans. It is just heartbreaking to see young children with a bowl in their hands begging for food every day."

He also addressed the impact on media, noting that Netanyahu has "created the deadliest period for journalists in contemporary history. A generation of accountability has been wiped out, granting Netanyahu carte blanche to starve, kill and destroy."

Mr Kelly stressed the urgent need for a peaceful resolution. "As we speak, Gaza is on its knees and Israel bombards Gaza City. Meanwhile, activists like Kitty O'Brien face police brutality for standing against these atrocities. We cannot give up on a two state solution, we cannot stand idly against annexation and we cannot stand by violence when peace is possible."

He concluded his remarks with a direct plea, "Free the hostages and free Gaza."

Response to European Union speech
Following a debate titled "Gaza at breaking point," Mr Kelly added that "Genocide is underway in Gaza." He stressed that "Every day without a ceasefire means more lives lost," and that "Ending the bloodshed in Gaza is a moral responsibility." He urged world leaders to act decisively and show unity.

In response to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's State of the European Union Speech, Mr Kelly welcomed key commitments. He said, "President von der Leyen confirmed that the Commission will press to move forward with sanctioning Israel’s extremist ministers and violent settlers, as well as a part suspension of the Association Agreement on trade-related matters. A new EU fund will be created – the Palestine Donor Group, for future reconstruction work."

However, he added that while the President rightly condemned the situation, he would have welcomed her "going a step further calling it what it is, a genocide." He emphasised that "these long over-due commitments must be followed up with action. Onus is on those Member States that are blocking EU unity. There is a moral responsibility to act."

Broader EU issues

Mr Kelly also used his platform to address other important issues. He expressed solidarity with Poland in the wake of a drone attack and reiterated his support for Ukraine. He welcomed the Commission’s focus on startups and modernising electricity infrastructure, an issue he has consistently advocated for as an MEP.

"We have had several initiatives over the years aimed at speeding up permitting and accelerating renewables and grid rollout, yet at Member State level we still see paralysis in the planning system with serial objectors and judicial reviews holding back critical projects," he said. He stressed the need for "real ambition on grids" and for investment to strengthen national grids to cope with changing supply and demand.

The Ireland South MEP also highlighted other important pledges from the Commission, including measures to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, reduce energy costs, provide more affordable housing, promote quality jobs, ensure fair prices for food producers, and increase funding for science, research, and health initiatives.

He concluded by saying, "These are vital measures that will improve the lives of our citizens. Protecting democracy, the freedom of independent media and upholding the rights and values that we enjoy in Europe are essential."