Silence is complicity: EU must act on Gaza
Silence is complicity: EU must act on Gaza - The Labour Party
- National Demonstration for Palestine this Saturday
Labour’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Duncan Smith TD has called for immediate and meaningful political action following today’s abhorrent announcement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who vowed to invade Gaza “with full force” in the coming days. With more than 52,000 Palestinians killed in 20 months of war, and no food, clean water, or medicine entering Gaza for over 10 weeks, Deputy Smith said we have a collective duty to do everything possible to end the genocide.
Deputy Smith said:
“Israel’s planned escalation of violence in Gaza must be met with absolute political condemnation and concrete action. The European Union has failed to respond adequately as Israel commits genocide before our eyes. There have been no sweeping sanctions, no clear calls for justice, and no effort to hold those responsible for war crimes to account. This cannot continue.
“In Ireland, we have the power to lead by example. The Occupied Territories Bill has been delayed for too long. The Government has promised to bring the heads of this legislation to Cabinet before the summer recess – we will hold their feet to the fire on this timeline. The election was in November, and since then we have witnessed untold horrors unfold in Gaza. The delay is inexcusable.
“Furthermore, Ireland should push for the removal of Israel from international cultural, academic, and sporting platforms such as the Eurovision Song Contest and global tournaments. Normalising relations while genocide continues is morally reprehensible. We must use every tool available to exert pressure and demand accountability.
“Political pressure at EU level is essential. Sanctions, embargoes, and diplomatic isolation are the only language the Netanyahu government seems to understand. Our European partners must find the courage to act. Ireland can and should be the voice demanding this action.
“This Saturday, people across Ireland will once again take to the streets to demand justice for Palestine. We in Labour will be joining the national demonstration for Palestine this Saturday. Now is the time to show solidarity, demand justice, and call for an end to the genocide.”