Taoiseach Micheál Martin informed the UN General Assembly that Ireland intends to block entry to Israeli government officials who are “engaged in the unfolding disaster in Gaza,” reports RTE.
He addressed the assembly, describing Gaza as a place where one of the most advanced and heavily armed militaries in the world has been unleashed upon a population that is confined and unable to defend itself.
Martin highlighted that the UN Commission of Inquiry had already described the situation last week, noting that genocide is considered the most serious crime under international law, reports RTE.
“We cannot say we were not aware,” he cautioned, stating that the International Court of Justice had clearly outlined that countries have a responsibility to take all measures to prevent such acts.
“We will act to prevent those members of the Government of Israel who have been instrumental in fomenting the unfolding disaster in Gaza from entering our country,” he said, reports RTE.
Appealing to influential UN member states, he urged them to act swiftly and decisively.
He said those supplying Israel with the resources to continue its military operations must think deeply about the consequences for the Palestinian people.
Martin’s address followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s criticism of nations that have supported Palestinian statehood, reports RTE.
Many delegates exited the hall prior to Mr Netanyahu’s remarks.
A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Ireland “was not present in the General Assembly” during Netanyahu’s speech.
In his address, the Taoiseach said Ireland had joined the South African case at the ICJ, officially recognised the State of Palestine, and was working on laws to ban imports from the Occupied Territories, reports RTE.
He called for a ceasefire to begin immediately and demanded justice for all involved in the violence.
He described the 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas as horrific war crimes, clarifying that the group – not the Palestinian people – bore responsibility and must be held accountable.
Martin insisted that Hamas should play no part in Palestine’s future governance, but stressed that no atrocity, no matter how terrible, could ever justify genocide, reports RTE.
According to the Taoiseach, Ireland stands firmly with the Palestinian people.
He praised UN agencies and personnel for their life-saving efforts, stating that UNRWA, which serves Palestinian refugees, has been central in those efforts, reports RTE.
Martin also honoured the bravery of medics and journalists who continue working under life-threatening conditions.
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“What is happening in Gaza cannot be justified or defended. It is an affront to human dignity and decency,” Mr Martin said, reports RTE.
He labelled the situation as a complete breakdown of international standards, legal frameworks, and basic human decency.
He said starvation was deliberately being used as a weapon of war.
“Babies starving to death while aid rots at the border. People shot whilst desperately seeking food for their families,” reports RTE.
Martin noted that schools, hospitals, mosques, and cultural landmarks were also under attack.
At the UN General Assembly, he warned that the international community risks reverting to a world where “might is right.”
He condemned Russia, a founding member of the UN and permanent Security Council member, for violating the UN Charter through its unlawful invasion of Ukraine, saying the war is being waged with a blatant disregard for human life, reports RTE.
Martin said President Vladimir Putin had shown contempt for diplomatic efforts and gave no indication of pursuing peace.
He reaffirmed that the 31 countries supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression would continue their backing of Kyiv as long as necessary, reports RTE.
Martin also expressed alarm over growing resistance to human rights standards globally, citing the Taliban’s ongoing oppression of Afghan women and girls.
He announced that Ireland would seek a seat on the Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term, reports RTE.
He observed that conflict represents a profound human failing that can leave scars for generations, referencing the new Irish-British agreement on addressing the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Honouring fallen Irish Defence Forces members, Martin emphasized the importance of ongoing support for the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL), particularly in light of the region’s volatile situation, reports RTE.
He stated that the international community had also failed Sudan, calling it a source of collective shame.
He warned that the humanitarian crisis there could destabilise the region further and stressed the need to stop the perpetrators of war crimes.
Martin declared that the United Nations remains humanity’s greatest hope and that its failures are ultimately due to the shortcomings of its leaders, reports RTE.
Recalling events from 80 years ago, he said the world had just emerged from a devastating global conflict in which 80 million people died, including six million victims of a calculated genocide – a horrific crime he described as unmatched in history.
He said people were murdered simply because of their ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disabilities.
Martin reflected on how, after descending into darkness, the UN was born as a symbol of hope and peace – the best attempt yet to create lasting global stability, reports RTE.
He appealed to world leaders to reassert the importance of international collaboration.
He concluded by stating that, since joining the UN in 1955, Ireland has made the organisation the foundation of its foreign policy, and few countries are as devoted to its mission, reports RTE.
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