Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin has stated that there are “no plans to close Ireland’s embassy in Israel” in spite of Israel’s decision to close its embassy in Dublin, reports RTE.
Following Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s declaration that Israel will shut its embassy in Dublin due to “the extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government,” Mr. Martin made these remarks.
According to Mr. Martin, the two nations “will continue to maintain diplomatic relations”
“Inherent in that is the right to agree and disagree on fundamental points,” he stated, reports RTE.
“I believe firmly in the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels of communication and regret that this decision has been taken,” he stated.
According to Mr. Martin, “no plans to close Ireland’s embassy in Israel” exist.
Ireland’s stance on the Middle East crisis “has always been guided by the principles of international law and the obligation on all states to adhere to international humanitarian law,” the Tánaiste said in a statement, reports RTE.
He said that this was the case with regard to Ireland’s reaction to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and Israel’s subsequent military actions.
“The continuation of the war in Gaza and the loss of innocent lives is simply unacceptable and contravenes international law,” he stated, reports RTE.
“It represents the collective punishment of the Palestinian people in Gaza,” he stated, reports RTE.
Mr. Martin demanded that there be an immediate end to hostilities, that all captives be freed, and that more help be sent to Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration made a “deeply regrettable decision” to close its Dublin office, according to Taoiseach Simon Harris.
Mr. Harris declared, “I completely deny the claim that Ireland is anti-Israel,” reports RTE.
“Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-International law,” he stated, reports RTE.
In a press release, Harris stated, “Keeping channels open has never been more important so that we can better understand each other’s positions, even when we disagree.”
“Nothing will distract from that,” he added, adding that Ireland will “always speak up for human rights and international law,” reports RTE.
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