Message from Party Leader - Edition 5 2025 - The Labour Party

Earlier that day, the Dáil debated Labour’s motion on Gaza, led by Duncan Smith TD, our Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs. We made it clear: if this Government is truly committed to doing all in its power to stop the genocide unfolding in Gaza, then it must act decisively — beginning with tabling an emergency resolution at the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting the failure of the Security Council and ensuring the development of a sustainable peace in Gaza and the creation of an international peacekeeping force to provide security for the people of Gaza.

We were encouraged to see cross-party support for our motion with other Opposition parties agreeing to sign it with us. While the Government did not oppose the motion and we very much welcomed its passage through the Dail as a result, we now need to see action taken. Words alone do not save lives. We now urge the Government to implement the motion and bring Ireland’s proposal to the floor of the General Assembly in New York.

There are no words to describe the scale of the horror that Israel is inflicting upon the people of Gaza. The wickedness of using starvation as a weapon of war against children cannot be overstated. Alongside the ongoing brutal bombardment, starvation is being used as an instrument of genocide – against a civilian population that has been ground down for decades. More than 55,000 people – including 15,000 children – have been killed in Gaza since 7th October 2023. A further 290,000 children are on the brink of death. We can, and must, do more.

Josep Borrell, the EU’s former High Representative for Foreign Affairs, recently stated: “Seldom have I heard the leader of a state so clearly outline a plan that fits the legal definition of genocide.” Netanyahu has made his intentions clear—to displace and destroy the people of Gaza. No one can now plead ignorance. The scale of human suffering demands a response from every nation that claims to stand for peace and justice.

One year ago this week, Ireland demonstrated global leadership by recognising the State of Palestine, alongside Spain and Norway. A small, symbolic step – but an important one, as much of the western world drags its heels. Ireland must take the lead once again and use our voice on a European and international level. While the EU’s review of its Association Agreement with Israel is a welcome first step, Ireland must do more: we must push for the political, economic, and diplomatic isolation of Israel to bring about the ending of this genocide.

Meanwhile, six and a half years since the Occupied Territories Bill received support within Dáil Éireann, the Government has finally agreed to bring a version of it to Cabinet. However, this watered-down bill excludes trade in services. This is a political choice, not a legal necessity. The Government must respect the democratic will of the Dáil and enact the bill initiated by Senator Frances Black, which we in Labour co-signed, as originally intended.

The use of Shannon Airport for the refuelling of US aircraft en-route to deliver weapons of genocide to Israel is another matter of deep concern. I recently questioned the Tánaiste in the Dáil over reports of an illegal US deportation flight landing in Shannon. It is unconscionable that an Irish airport could be used as an instrument to violate human rights.  If the Irish Government is aware of the US use of Shannon airport to effectively expel migrants in breach of court orders, it represents this Government’s complicity in the aggressive and illegal migration policies being pursued by the Trump administration. In recent years, there has been a barrage of revelations about US planes passing through our airspace. Yet the Government continues to turn a blind eye.

We need a serious national conversation about Ireland’s airspace and about our potential complicity in war crimes and human rights violations. Ireland must stand clearly and courageously for a rules-based international order, for peace, justice, and accountability.

Israel must end its genocidal campaign. The hostages must be freed. And we must work tirelessly for an enduring peace.

The Labour Party will not relent in our call for action. We will continue to pressure this Government to ensure that Ireland uses its voice—on the European and world stage—for peace, justice, and human rights.

In solidarity,