Letters: War in Gaza is existential for Israel, we should have more nuanced discussion
One of the first questions we all should ask when listening to evidence is 'cui bono?' or who benefits?
In 2014, Hamas released a video instructing journalists and witnesses how to report on events in Gaza. It states 'anyone killed or martyred is to be called a civilian from Gaza or Palestine... Don't forget to always add 'innocent civilian' or 'innocent citizen' in your description of those killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza'
In his letter, the usually balanced Rob Sadlier sees similarities between Sarajevo and Gaza. Important differences are that Serbs, unlike Israel, were not attacked. Indeed Israel forcibly removed its settlers from Gaza in 2005; residents of Sarajevo were not holding Serbian hostages; the Serbian armed forces (and the Nato bombing response) did not warn civilians to evacuate areas where bombings were planned.
Every Gazan non-combatant killed is a tragedy, but to compare fighting against Hamas with the random bombing of Sarajevo is unfair. I am a long-term supporter of reconciliation and a two-state solution to this issue. I know that conscript armies commit atrocities in war and I am appalled by the statements of Israeli extremists.
Since October 7, I have seen a large increase in international references to Éamon De Valera's letter on the death of Adolf Hitler. This issue is harmful for Ireland and I hope we can have a more nuanced discussion that does not feed accusations of antisemitism but also understands that for Israel, this is existential.
Frank Devine, Kenilworth, England
The Holocaust's lessons are being forgotten and hatred is rising once again
The lessons of the Holocaust are searingly relevant today. It is dispiriting that 80 years after the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, hatred and intolerance still lurk in the human heart. Language is used to dehumanise, demoralise and demonise others. People in Gaza are neither alive, nor dead. They are walking skeletons.
The heart-wrenching images of children becoming wretched, destitute, with little more than skin covering their bones, should shame the world that prides itself on championing human rights and dignities.
We must be fearless in resisting violence. We must never rest in seeking to create a fairer and peaceful world for all without exception.
Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob, London
Slaughter of innocents in Gaza shames all of us who watch on and fail to act
Nothing disgusts me more than seeing the absolute slaughter of men, women and children in Gaza.
Since the Israeli invasion, tens of thousands of people have been killed, 17,000 of them innocent children.
Food trucks are only allowed in periodically, and the starving and besieged people are subjected to gunfire as they race to obtain sustenance in order to feed themselves.
Recent reports suggest that many young boys appear to have been used as target practice. This is horrendous.
As babies appear every night on our television screens looking like skeletons with a haunting look of death and despair on their faces, it should move the coldest of hearts in world leadership roles into action to alleviate their suffering instantly. But no, they talk and talk, but do not intervene in this total barbarism.
The people of Palestine are ordinary human beings and as such should be protected by human rights law. Anything else is a dereliction of duty by their fellow human beings.
Tom Towey, Cloonacool, Co Sligo
President of Uruguay set an incredible example of selflessness and charity
I would ike to pay tribute to a president who died a few months ago. President José Mujica of Uruguay held office from 2010 to 2015 and was described as the world's poorest president.
He shunned the presidential palace and remained at home on his farm driving his tractor and his beloved Volkswagen Beetle. He shared his salary with the poor. He believed his lifestyle was normal and not exceptional. In his earlier life he opposed the democratically elected government as he firmly believed it was corrupt, clandestine, up to its eyes in backhanders and ultimately authoritarian. For his sins, he was arrested, banged up, shot six times but miraculously lived and was ultimately elected president.
Noel Mannion, Clonbur, Co Galway
We could secure energy needs for decades – but private profit trumps all
I have been trying to avoid the news cycle while on holidays here in Donegal. However, a couple of stories did manage to catch my attention.
Firstly the Oireachtas hearings on offshore renewable energy development and government subsidies for improving port infrastructure to facilitate it. Secondly, the upgrades to our national grid, which are to be paid for by a levy on energy consumers.
If the Government invested around €10bn in a single, large, publicly owned offshore wind project, then profits from this could be used to upgrade both the grid and our ports.
Belfast Port could be used in the interim. Furthermore, this would help secure our energy needs for decades to come and, once the initial investment is recouped, profits could be pumped into a sovereign wealth fund (as the Norwegians do with revenues). But, alas, there are no plans for anything like this. It does not even seem to form part of the discussion.
No, just taxpayers' money being used to upgrade ports for the benefit of (oftentimes foreign) private corporations which will, in turn, exploit our natural energy resources.
Paddy Sharkey, Kilcar, Co Donegal
RTÉ should show due respect to counties in the camogie championship
On Saturday evening I listened to the RTÉ Radio news and sport bulletin at 10pm. The lead sports item covered was the transfer of a player to Arsenal football club in Britain.
Down the pecking order was a brief report on the Camogie All-Ireland semi finals played in Nowlan Park in Kilkenny. The O'Duffy Cup is the women's equivalent of the Liam MacCarthy Cup and should have been treated as such.
Tom Cooper, Templeogue, Dublin
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Irish Times
an hour ago
- Irish Times
Letters to the Editor, August 8th: On questions on Gaza, prescribing opioids, and big cars
Sir, – The world will eventually get into Gaza, and establish that the 61,000 reported killed so far by Gaza's health ministry is only a fraction of the dead. Many more lie under the rubble, or were not able to be brought to hospital to be counted. The following questions will then demand answers. Why did the United Nations (UN) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) allow a full famine to develop after four months of Israel blocking food, medicine and fuel to Gaza, when they could have forced the aid through under Article 7 of the UN charter? Why did the world not stop Israel's war crimes when the first hospital was shelled, instead allowing all 36 hospitals to be repeatedly bombed? Why did the world's media accept a ban on their journalists reporting inside Gaza, and why did RTÉ continually refer to the Hamas-controlled health ministry, long after CNN and Channel 4 dropped this nomenclature? READ MORE Why did Western governments, including Ireland, drag their feet on sanctioning Israel, despite consistent mass protests throughout the world? Why were many decent people silenced in the face of clear Israeli barbarity against children and families in Gaza, by the fear that criticising Israel might make them appear anti-Semitic? (A charge refuted by the many Jewish critics of Israel). Why were US warplanes refuelled at Shannon airport despite vocal criticism by Ireland of the 'war' they were enabling and supporting? Why did the Irish Central Bank take on the facilitation of Israeli war bonds in the EU, thus providing at least ¤418 million funding of Israel's war economy? Why did the world stand by for 21 months, wringing its hands and looking pained, while the war crimes of bombing civilians, starving civilians, and forced population transfers took place before our eyes? A genocide in plain sight. – Yours, etc, BETTY PURCELL, Former commissioner, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, Dublin 6W. Sir, – I object , as a taxpayer, that the staff of the Central Bank, whose salaries are paid for by the Irish exchequer, are being indirectly deployed to finance the Israeli government's genocidal war against the Palestinian people through the sale of Israeli war bonds (' Lobby other EU countries to allow Irish Central Bank to drop Israeli war bonds, TDs recommend ,' August 6th). According to Central Bank governor Gabriel Makhlouf, Ireland has no power to unilaterally remove itself from this role and that any decision to change this situation would be made by Israel. Who is in charge in the Central Bank, Mr Makhlouf representing the Irish taxpayer, or Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu? – Yours, etc, BRENDAN BUTLER, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. Prescribing opioids Sir, –Your article on increased opioid prescribing in Ireland highlights a genuine concern (' Doctors increasingly prescribing highly addictive opioids, ' August 7th). However, the study it references adjusted only for age and sex; it did not control for clinical indication, comorbidities, or access to non-drug treatments such as physiotherapy or timely surgery. The findings are based solely on the General Medical Services population, which is older and more socioeconomically disadvantaged. An increase in prescriptions within this group may reflect unmet need rather than inappropriate use. We must be cautious not to conflate prescribing volume with prescribing harm. Simplistic interpretations risk stigmatising both patients with complex pain and the doctors doing their best in a constrained system. The real challenge is improving access to safe, evidence-based alternatives – not simply tightening prescribing. – Yours, etc, Dr JOSEPH BROWNE, Consultant Physician, and Geriatrician, Castleknock, Dublin 15. Benefits of breastfeeding Sir, – I refer to ' Parents of children with Down syndrome: it teaches you to be a better person ' (August 5th). Congratulations and fair play to the mother referred to in the report who persisted in her efforts to breastfeed her baby who has Down syndrome despite being told 'that Down syndrome babies probably don't breastfeed'. It is very disappointing that this outdated attitude still persists, especially if it is coming from the medical profession. Of course babies with Down syndrome breastfeed. I can verify this from my own and many other mothers' experiences. What makes the difference for many is the right support and information at the right time. The health and other benefits of breastfeeding for any baby – but particularly for a baby with additional needs – cannot be emphasised enough. Therefore, all mothers who wish to breastfeed their babies who have Down syndrome should be given all the encouragement and support to do so, particularly while they are in hospital. – Yours, etc, MARGARET CARROLL. Portobello, Dublin 8. Too much information Sir, – To the letter writer (Letters, August 6th) whose Tesco spinach was recalled due to possible Listeria, and is now 'overthinking every bowel movement', I'm sorry but one expects a certain decorum on the Letters page and that is simply, to use the modern parlance, TMI. –Yours, etc, BRIAN AHERN, Clonsilla, Dublin 15. Women and men Sir, – Pamela McDonald (Letters, August 6th) says that she is 'struck by the absence of a male outcry against abhorrent male violence'. I am proud to be part of a male swimming group, The Gollymocky Whalers, who, in February 2024, raised €48,500 for Women's Aid in our annual Freezbrury swim challenge. We chose Women's Aid as our charity precisely because we are males. An outcry can come in many forms. – Yours, etc, JONATHAN WHITE, Killiney, Co Dublin. Sir, – Pamela McDonald (Letters, August 6th) is struck by the lack of a male outcry against abhorrent male violence. In her next breath, she quotes Germaine Greer saying that 'women have very little idea of how much men hate them'. She then finishes by challenging men to prove her wrong. To be honest, having given this some thought, all I can think is that this is offensive nonsense. –Yours, etc, BRIAN CULLEN, Rathfarnham, Dublin. Taxing rental income Sir, – In his letter (August 6th), Emmet McCrann expresses surprise at Lorcan Sirr's surprise that small landlords earn so much from their rental. He goes on to say: 'As an actuary who has worked with statistics for decades, it always surprises me to see experts quote statistics and then imply tangential conclusions.' Indeed. His own conclusion is: 'With income tax of 40 per cent, USC of 8 per cent and PRSI of 4 per cent all applying, the small landlord is left with 48per cent of the rent . . . etc'. He then itemises further deductions, such as management fees and repairs, that reduce income even more. Could these be 'tangential conclusions?' He may be further surprised to learn that taxes are not levied on the gross rental income, but on net income after such legitimate costs are deducted. – Yours, etc, JIM HOLOHAN, Stranorlar, Co Donegal. Population and the environment Sir, – In the course of a meandering Opinion piece on world population and future demographics, it is unclear what point former Green Party leader Eamon Ryan is making (' It's about to get much harder to blame population growth for the climate crisis ,' August 6th). Surely it is obvious that the current world population of over eight billion is putting massive strain on the natural world and an increase to a peak of 10 billion will hardly help matters? The Industrial Revolution and rapid population growth from 1900 onwards has contributed to climate change and a tipping point into the age of mass extinction in the natural world, all at the hands of mankind. At this point I do not see technology and a falling birthrate pulling us back from the brink in an increasingly authoritarian multi-polar world. – Yours, etc, MICHAEL FLYNN, Dublin 13. Build the MetroLink Sir, – I would like to express my frustration over a series of myopic and parochial articles regarding the proposed MetroLink rail service. It's as if nobody in Ireland has ever been outside the country. It makes Irish people look stupid and maybe they are too infantile to understand the value of good public infrastructure. Anyone who has used the Elizabeth Line to Heathrow, gone from central Tokyo to Narita, or has been to Hong Kong will tell you that you simply can't beat the rail service to the airport. Self-driving cars will get stuck in self-driving traffic jams trains regardless of weather. Please stop this insane and ridiculous hand-wringing and moaning about building a piece of infrastructure that would barely get any notice in most countries. The Chinese would have built this in 18 months and ditto for any major European or Asian country. Just tender the contract to any large European or Asian infrastructure provider, CPO the necessary property and set up a special purpose vehicle to facilitate all legal eventualities and start the work. – Yours, etc, MICHAEL COFFEY, New Jersey, US. Sir, – Instead of encouraging cars or private transport of any kind, or discouraging future MetroLink plans, we should be trying to increase frequency, improve and extend public transport. The Dart and Luas are both very successful, Dart's daily ridership has grown to around 90,000 passengers, Luas, approximately 140,000. And that's probably not counting free travellers! We now need to extend both and proceed to build the metro in both Dublin and Cork. A fixed charge could be paid to use public transport up to a given number of journeys, the charge pro-rated upwards, depending on the number of journeys made. This would simplify the collection of fares and reduce the cost. In the interests of the economy, the environment, our health, and the future of the planet, public transport must be encouraged by all. –Yours, etc, SHEILA DEEGAN, Dublin 3. A suggestion on big cars Sir, – I refer to Ultan Ó Broin's letter (August 7th) regarding the seemingly insatiable lust of Irish drivers for tank-like cars which occupy far too much space on roads and in car parks never designed for these monstrous vehicles. I would propose an educational approach accompanied, as in Paris, by extra charges for these jumbos to compensate for their unnecessary weight and size and environmental impact. These vehicles are not safer, certainly not if they hit a human. Posters showing a child standing in front of one of these behemoths should be displayed everywhere, it is genuinely blood chilling to see. – Yours, etc. JOANNA MULVEY, Greystones, Co Wicklow. The Lions share Sir, – I have enjoyed reading Barry Sheehan's articles and this last one today, his final take on Sydney and the team's 'effort, commitment and bravery', really struck a chord with me, as a parent of young men, how important trust and camaraderie among a group of friends can make all the difference in one's life. We always want the best for our children, no matter what road they are on. Well done to Barry, and to the Lions squad. You have done us all proud. – Yours, etc, VICTORIA MADIGAN, Terenure, Dublin 6. Figuring out Trump Sir, – The current president of the United States has sacked the head of that country's bureau of employment statistics, Erika McEntarfer. Cause? It was alleged she was massaging those very statistics to make the president's record in this area look bad. Wait a minute. Six or so months ago did not the same president employ a close associate to head up a new government efficiency department? That head of Doge(Elon Musk), now unemployed from government himself, did 'real good' according to the template. Hundreds of thousands of civil servants lost their jobs. So, was the statistics head not merely reporting great success in the job filleting endeavour? Am I missing something? – Yours, etc, MARY FINN, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14. Illegal dumping Sir, – Is it any wonder illegal dumping is so prevalent in this country? If caught the individual faces a €150 fine. This is cheaper than using a refuse company or a legal dump (if used throughout the year). Illegal dumpers will not be put off by a few CCTV cameras, they will just dump their rubbish somewhere else. The fine is too small and enforcement rates too low and this is why illegal dumping is an option many will continue to take. – Yours, etc, SIOBHÁN McDERMOTT, Killester, Dublin 5. Seeing red Sir, – As one who, as a child, remembers notices outside Garda stations offering the public £5 for a dead fox and also hearing despairing tales of overnight slaughter in back yard chicken coops, I too think that foxes are beautiful creatures (Letters, August 7th). At dusk on recent nights I have watched three delightful red cubs frolic and play together at dusk at the fence behind my house, as they gobble up the dog food I leave out for them. Who needs television with such alternative entertainment? – Yours, etc, MARION WALSH, Donnybrook, Dublin 4.
The Journal
3 hours ago
- The Journal
Group of US politicians express concern over proposed Irish trade ban with Israeli settlements
A GROUP OF US politicians have urged the US treasury secretary Scott Bessent to examine if the Irish Government's proposed ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine would breach American anti-boycott laws. Sixteen US congress members have signed a letter calling for the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025, which seeks to ban the trade of goods between Ireland and Israeli settlements, to be investigated. Republican Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, for New York, is leading the group of politicians. The letter references the US anti-boycott laws, which seek to oppose boycotts against America and its allies. Should the US find the Irish ban constitutes a 'foreign boycott', America may take action to counteract the ban and include Ireland on a purported 'boycott list', potentially suspending future US business deals in Dublin and elsewhere. The Irish government has been aware for a number of years that the anti-boycott movement in the US, made up of a number of American politicians, would take issue with the Occupied Territories Bill. The group's letter reads: 'This measure is part of a broader effort aligned with the global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks to economically isolate Israel. 'Such policies not only promote economic discrimination but also create legal uncertainty for U.S. companies operating in Ireland.' It added that the Irish ban on trade between illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine would 'not only promote economic discrimination but also create legal uncertainty for US companies operating in Ireland'. Advertisement It added: 'We encourage the Treasury Department to assess whether Ireland's proposal indicate that they require or may require participation in or encouragement of an international boycott within the meaning of [US anti-boycott mechanisms].' Speaking to The Journal prior to the general election in November, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the US embassy have previously expressed concern over the ban, but that Ireland was clear in its position on the matter. He said: 'I had already made the decision, prior to that communication. I was aware of that it's not a new concern [from the US]. That's been there a long time. 'It's not a surprise that the US Embassy would communicate that, they communicated that five or six years ago, and that's been a standard position. 'Our position is that it relates to the Occupied Territories, not to Israel. And that might be a point of difference in the US, because, in the US, people might look at it differently – but we have a very clear view of it here.' Politicians on the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee last month recommended that trade of services should be included in the law. Chairperson of the committee, Fianna Fáil's John Lahart, said while the Bill has been described as largely symbolic, it remains 'important'. He added that Ireland's reputation has been tarnished by some , stating that there have been smears and lies said about the country due to the position it has taken on this piece of legislation. With reporting by Christina Finn Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Israel vows to occupy Gaza to clear out Hamas terrorists and then hand it over to Arab forces
Israel's opposition leader says Netanyahu's proposal would lead to 'another war' GAZA PLAN Israel vows to occupy Gaza to clear out Hamas terrorists and then hand it over to Arab forces ISRAEL has vowed to take full control of Gaza to clear out Hamas terrorists, then hand it over to friendly Arab forces. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country was 'well on our way' to ensuring Gaza 'doesn't pose a threat to Israel again'. Advertisement 2 Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country was 'well on our way' to ensuring Gaza 'doesn't pose a threat to Israel again' Credit: Unpixs He told Fox News: 'We intend to, in order to ensure our security, remove Hamas there, and to pass it to civilian governance that is not Hamas and not anyone advocating the destruction of Israel. 'We want to liberate ourselves and liberate the people of Gaza from the awful terror of Hamas.' Mr Netanyahu added: 'We want to have a security perimeter. "We don't want to govern it. Advertisement READ MORE ON GAZA CONQUER CALL Benjamin Netanyahu defies ex-army & spy chiefs with fresh Gaza assault threat "We don't want to be there as a governing body.' He said Israel wants to 'hand it over to Arab forces that will govern it properly, without threatening us, and giving the Gazans a good life.' The Israeli military says it already has operational control of 75 per cent of the Gaza Strip, while the United Nations has said around 87 per cent is under Israeli military control or subject to evacuation orders. US ambassador Mike Huckabee insisted it was up to the Israeli government to decide if they want to annex Gaza. Advertisement He said he would not 'tell them what they should or shouldn't do'. But Israel's opposition leader Yair Lapid warned Mr Netanyahu's proposal to take over Gaza would lead to 'another war' and 'more dead hostages'. Israel plans NEW Gaza assault after horrifying clip of emaciated Israeli hostage 'digging own grave'
