Increase of settlements in the West Bank 'so blatantly in breach of international law that it requires refutation", says President Michael D Higgins
The Assembly is expected to vote today on a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and the opening of all Israeli border crossings for deliveries of desperately needed food and other aid.
Last week, the US vetoed a Security Council resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and calling on Israel to lift all restrictions on the delivery of aid, despite the 14 other members of the council voting in favour.
There are no vetoes in the 193-member General Assembly, where the resolution is expected to pass overwhelmingly, but it is not legally binding.
Mr Higgins said there is a call for political leaders 'to come forward with emergency proposals' to allow those in Gaza access to 'desperately' needed water, medicines and food given the urgency of the humanitarian situation 'both in terms of the risks attached to accessing food and the growing number entering the critical category of death from malnutrition'.
In a statement issued this evening, he said: "This is a major moral moment for the international community. I welcome that Ireland is a co-sponsor of the draft resolution being presented at today's resumed tenth Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly under the Uniting for Peace initiative.'
'The draft resolution calls for action from members of the United Nations, stating that the General Assembly: 'Stresses the need for accountability in order to ensure Israel's respect of international law obligations, and in this regard calls upon all member states to individually and collectively take all measures necessary, in line with international law and the Charter of the United Nations, to ensure compliance by Israel with its obligations.''
He added: 'Given recent suggestions that a Palestinian State would have to be carved out of a Muslim state, it is necessary surely for all members of the European Union and of the international community to declare where they stand in relation to such a significant change in policy.'
Mr Higgins said the announced increase in settlements in the West Bank is 'consistent with a policy of dispossession, but is so blatantly in breach of international law that it requires a refutation'.
'Today's meeting of the General Assembly, and associated measures, are of immense importance given the human consequences of inaction.'
The draft resolution will be co-sponsored by Spain, Chile, Egypt, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Malaysia, Norway, Qatar, Slovenia, South Africa, Turkiye and the State of Palestine.
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