Irish PM Condemns Israeli Actions in Gaza
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris has publicly criticized Israel for its military actions in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that Ireland will not be silenced regarding its stance on the humanitarian crisis. In a statement made in Dun Laoghaire, Harris condemned the killing of civilians and the starvation of the Palestinian people, asserting that such actions deserve international condemnation. He referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to close the Israeli embassy in Dublin as 'diversionary diplomacy' aimed at stifling dissent against Israel's actions.
Closure of Israeli Embassy in Dublin
The closure of the Israeli embassy in Ireland was announced by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who cited Ireland's 'anti-Israel policy' as the reason. This decision follows Ireland's announcement to join a lawsuit led by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing the nation of committing genocide in Gaza. Harris expressed regret over the embassy closure but reaffirmed that Ireland would continue diplomatic relations with Israel, stating, 'But no one can silence Ireland.'
Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached alarming levels, with reports indicating over 152,000 Palestinian casualties, including a significant number of children and women, since the escalation of violence began on October 7, 2023. Harris highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, criticizing Israel for obstructing such efforts. He called for a focus on the practices of Israel rather than solely on Ireland's diplomatic stance, emphasizing the need to address the suffering of innocent civilians in the region.
