Ireland must act for Gaza
Ireland must act for Gaza - The Labour Party
Labour’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Duncan Smith TD has called on Tánaiste Simon Harris to raise the plight of the people of Gaza at the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council next week, demanding real diplomatic pressure as the war in Gaza enters its twentieth month and as the Israel-Iran conflict escalates. Deputy Smith said that Ireland must not forget the genocide still unfolding in Gaza, and must use every peaceful lever to demand that international law is respected and humanitarian aid is allowed to flow immediately.
Deputy Smith said:
“Next week’s meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council must not ignore the ongoing horror in Gaza. While the Israel-Iran conflict dominates headlines, we must not forget the horrors unfolding in Gaza, and the 300 people who died recently while simply waiting for food aid.
“Words fail to describe the cruelty of using starvation as a weapon of war against children. But that is exactly what Israel continues to do to the people of Palestine. The situation is deeply concerning and will have far-reaching consequences for the whole world if we do not act now.
“Ireland is a small country, but our diplomatic voice is strong. We must use it to help end the atrocities happening before our eyes. We need to see real diplomatic leadership from Simon Harris on this.
“Unfortunately, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s credibility when it comes to Gaza has been completely eroded over the last six months. Both parties promised during the general election campaign that they would enact the Occupied Territories Bill if elected. Yet six months later, and only now is the Tánaiste belatedly seeking to act. Labour is ready to sit in the Dáil throughout the summer to pass this law.
“If we truly believe too many people are dying, then the Government must show that belief with action, not words. That means isolating Israel internationally, ending EU-Israel trade and using every peaceful measure available to demand respect for international humanitarian law.
“There is grave concern among the Irish people at the comments made by Ursula Von Der Leyen in recent days. Simon Harris must make it clear that Ireland wants an immediate end to the siege, a ceasefire, and unfettered humanitarian access to Gaza.”