Labour calls for UN peacekeeping in Gaza
Labour calls for UN peacekeeping in Gaza - The Labour Party
- Labour to use Dáil time to mandate the Taoiseach to move a motion at UN seeking an international peacekeeping force for Gaza
- Protest for peace outside Leinster House at 5pm tomorrow
Labour’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Duncan Smith TD has today called on the Irish Government to support Labour’s Private Member’s Motion going before the Dáil tomorrow, demanding that Ireland lead global efforts to secure an immediate, lasting and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza. Speaking on the Plinth at Leinster House, Deputy Smith described the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza as a genocide and urged the Government to bring an emergency resolution to the United Nations to allow humanitarian aid to flow. Labour is calling on the Government to support this motion.
Deputy Smith said:
“We are all devastated at what has been going on. Israel is carrying out a total war of destruction in Gaza – a genocide in full view of the world. More than 55,000 people, including 15,000 children, have been killed since 7th October 2023. And right now, 14,000 more children are on the brink of starvation if adequate humanitarian aid is not allowed to re-enter Gaza. This is the brutal truth.
“Labour’s Private Member’s Motion going before the Dáil tomorrow demands that the Irish Government step up and bring an emergency resolution to the UN General Assembly, calling out the blockade of humanitarian aid. The motion has also been co-signed by Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, the Green Party and Independent TD Catherine Connolly,
“Ireland is a small country, but we have powerful diplomatic influence. We must use it now. We cannot wait for others to act. We must act ourselves. We must stand with Palestinian children, with innocent civilians, and with international law.
“Separately, we welcome Government commitment to pass the Occupied Territories Bill, albeit belatedly. The Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs must sit as often as is needed to progress it through the Dáil and Seanad ahead of the summer recess. The situation is far too grave for delay.
“This is a moment for leadership. We welcome Government’s indication that they won’t amend our motion, but this must be followed by action. Ireland must be a voice for peace – to lead with courage and compassion, and to be remembered in the history books as a country that acted to defend the right of the Palestinian people to exist.”
Link to our full motion here.