Taoiseach Micheál Martin has defended the Government’s stance on the conflict in Gaza, responding to critics who say Ireland hasn’t done enough by urging them to “go and ask the Palestinian Authority, ask the Palestinian people”, reports RTE.
Speaking to reporters at an event in Galway this afternoon—where a pro-Palestine protest was held outside—the Taoiseach addressed calls for stronger action from Ireland.
In reply, Mr Martin said: “My comments are in the Dáil during the week.
“I take issue with people who are trying to cause division in the country on this issue, the Irish Government has led from the front in respect of the Middle East,” he added, reports RTE.
“In respect of Gaza, I would say to the protesters go and ask the Palestinian Authority, go and ask Palestinian people around the world, go and ask people in the Middle East, in Egypt and Jordan, reports RTE.
“They will tell you how they believe the Irish Government has been leading for justice and fairness and also trying to get other countries to come on board in respect of trying to get a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and also a massive surge in humanitarian aid,” Mr Martin said, reports RTE.
He continued by emphasising that while “people have a right to protest”, democracy in Ireland is strong, and those organising public events “should be allowed to do their business as well”.
“I will not be deterred from doing what we are doing in Government, we’ve done a lot, a lot of people acknowledge that,” he said, reports RTE.
Mr Martin then turned his focus to “the real issue, the Israeli government”, which he said “has been acting in an appalling manner in my view”.
“There are elements in that government [the Israeli government] who have been very clear in articulating a desire to destroy Gaza in its entirety. Ireland has intervened in the case before the International Court of Justice, on the South Africa case, before that the Genocide Convention, so at every international level we have intervened for fairness, justice and in line with the United Nations Charter, and will continue to do that,” he added, reports RTE.
When asked about conditions in Gaza and the impact on Palestinians living there, the Taoiseach said: “It’s shocking the degree to which people are being starved in Gaza, the blockade was absolutely unacceptable and continues to be unacceptable.
“It is a violation, a war crime to deny people, in particular children, the very basic necessities of life. I can’t comprehend how any government can preside over that,” he added, reports RTE.
Mr Martin concluded by saying the international community must “put as much pressure as possible on Israel to stop this,” including actions concerning the EU-Israel trade deal.
He said he wants “an agreement to suspend that”, adding: “that will be challenging and difficult, but Ireland will push for that,” reports RTE.
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