Letters: EU leaders should lead way in fostering dialogue to bring an end to the suffering in Gaza

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a long-standing and intricate issue and it is essential that we approach it with a balanced and nuanced perspective that recognises the complexities on both sides.

The situation in Gaza continues to be marked by violence, loss of life and immense suffering.

We must not overlook the humanitarian crises and the pain endured by the people in this region. While it is crucial to affirm Israel’s right to self-defence and security, we must also acknowledge the legitimate concerns and aspirations of the Palestinian people.

Ms von der Leyen’s recent comments appeared to be one-sided and did not sufficiently address the intricate dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In our pursuit of a just and lasting solution, it is essential that we consider the multi-faceted reality on the ground.

The European Union, comprising 27 member states, wields considerable influence and plays a significant role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. It is incumbent on the EU to adopt a more balanced approach that reflects the perspectives of all stakeholders and recognises the unique challenges of the conflict.

I believe a diplomatic and multilateral approach, informed by empathy and sensitivity to the challenges faced by Israelis and Palestinians, is the most effective path towards lasting peace.

The EU must be at the forefront of advocating for a comprehensive, inclusive and unbiased dialogue that respects the rights and aspirations of all parties involved.

I urge our European leaders to lead the way in fostering a more balanced and constructive dialogue that seeks to bring an end to the suffering in Gaza and to facilitate a peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.

By prioritising such a path, we not only serve the interests of the parties directly involved, we contribute to global peace and stability.

In this time of turbulence, let us remember that the pursuit of peace is a shared responsibility, and one that demands a holistic understanding of the situation.

It is my hope that the European Council, under Ms von der Leyen’s guidance, will champion a more balanced perspective, grounded in empathy and fairness, that paves the way for a brighter and more peaceful future in the Middle East.

Killian Brennan, Malahide Road, Dublin 17

Western media has not been been balanced in coverage of Middle East

The Jewish people have suffered greatly over many centuries of pogroms, especially during the Holocaust, which was by far the most serious act of genocide in the history of humanity.

I and many others have campaigned to ensure that these crimes against humanity are not forgotten. Exposing the truth in such matters is an important part of preventing future acts of genocide.

While the Irish media has been reporting on the conflict in the Middle East in a reasonably balanced manner, western mainstream media reports have been far less balanced.

Two recent articles in The Economist strongly suggest that the bombing atrocity at the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza was caused by a Palestinian rocket rather than by an Israeli military airstrike.

On October 19, The Economist leader article stated that: “The deadly blast in Gaza on the evening of October 17 killed many Palestinians who were taking shelter. Despite strong evidence that their deaths were caused by the failure of a Palestinian rocket laden with fuel, Arab countries rushed to condemn Israel.”

This was followed on October 20 by an article by The Economist editor- in-chief, Zanny Minton Beddoes, that stated: “A deadly blast struck the Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, killing many Palestinians sheltering there. Despite strong evidence that the cause was a failed Palestinian rocket being fired from Gaza…” The truth is too often the first casualty in wars.

While it will take some time to establish the truth in this matter, such arguably biased statements damage the credibility of international mainstream media.

Edward Horgan, Castletroy, Limerick

Grave deceit of casting warfare in terms of rules of war and human rights

Could political leaders please refrain from using terms such as “rules of war” and “human rights” when discussing the various conflicts? It is a grave deceit to tell young people and children that some kind of mercy will be found in the event of conflict.

It has never happened and will never happen. Warfare is a complete abandonment of all the pretences of mutual respect and a total societal investment in hatred.

All the theatrical waffle at the UN, the poems and ballads, the nationalist rhetoric are signs of madness not progress. Unfortunately, entire societies can go mad.

Eugene Tannam, Firhouse, Dublin 24

Let an Oireachtas inquiry find out why our spending on healthcare is so high

Many politicians and commentators continue to claim that we need to spend more money on our public health system in order to deliver an adequate service to our citizens.

The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) has reported that “Ireland ranks as a high spender on health internationally”. In a benchmark report, IFAC confirms that Ireland ranks sixth-highest for government spending on healthcare as a share of national income out of 33 OECD economies.

Annual health spending has also risen at a faster pace than elsewhere, says IFAC.

With 2024’s annual public health spending budget of €22.5bn, including €800m extra in core funding, plus an additional €1.23bn in health infrastructure from the National Development Plan, the trend of massive health spending continues unabated. This year, there is likely to be a public health overspend in excess of €1bn.

As IFAC reports, this is despite Ireland having relatively favourable demographics, with an old-age dependency ratio well below the median OECD country.

Where does all the money go? Isn’t it time for the HSE and the Department of Health to reveal all to the public? Let’s have an Oireachtas Committee of Inquiry.

Isn’t it time to demand that public sector management and public sector unions come together to embrace the changes in planning, budgeting, work practices and pay that are essential to the provision of an adequate health service for Irish people, which presently it is not?

Throwing more money at the problem, as we have seen over the past 10 years, gets us nowhere.

Mark Mohan, Dublin 15

Little public appetite to change Ireland’s position on military neutrality

I must confess, I really have not the slightest interest in what Professor Dame Louise Richardson’s view is on Ireland’s defence policy.

Accordingly, I take offence at her hectoring tone evident throughout her report on the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy (‘Security forum chair says neutrality ‘not necessary’ for Ireland’s global reputation’, Irish Independent, October 17).

The fact is that there is no public appetite for a change to the current position on neutrality, as acknowledged by the report, a fact that could be submerged beneath the mountain of waffle that we will now have to endure as the report is dragged through the Dáil (as if we had nothing better to be doing).

The people who commissioned this forum must avoid making the mistake of allowing themselves to be influenced by the report’s tendency to talk down to people and keep a clear focus on the fact that it is the people of Ireland who will determine what defence policy best aligns with their values.

I suggest a suitably sized wastepaper basket could serve us all well at this point.

Jim O’Sullivan, Rathedmond, Sligo

Putin will for ever be a pariah due to his treachery to Russia’s neighbours

There is something nauseating about seeing Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, out and about these days, admittedly with that look of someone watching his back.

His attendance at China’s Belt and Road Forum as guest of honour of president Xi Jinping does nothing for his image or credibility: he will always be a pariah for his treachery towards his supposed friends and neighbours.

Mr Xi apparently noted that he had “met Putin 42 times in the past 10 years and developed a good working relationship and deep friendship” (Irish Independent, October 19).

God help them – do they know the meaning of friendship?

Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18