Taoiseach accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza as protest held at Dail

Irish Daily Mirror

6 days ago

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has issued his strongest condemnation of Israel yet as he accused it of committing 'genocide' in Gaza.
He had previously resisted going this far, referring to what Israel was committing as 'genocidal actions'.
Speaking in Croke Park on Wednesday, the Taoiseach once again called for a ceasefire, the release of hostages and aid to enter Gaza.
Mr Martin said: 'The Irish government has been particularly proactive in relation to the war in Gaza, a war that is a genocide at this stage, in particular, in terms of the attack on entire families.
'We've witnessed that recently with a family of nine children being massacred. It's a slaughter that must stop.
'Now, our view, and we have supported UNRWA [United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees] repeatedly and called for a ceasefire, the release of all hostages and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
'But, in addition to that, we believe what now would have the greatest impact would be if the European Union could collectively agree to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which relates to the economic relationship between Israel and the European Union.
'That would be challenging, but that would have real impact on the Israeli government.'
Mr Martin also referred to Israel's actions in Gaza as a genocide in the Dáil.
In response to Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, the Taoiseach stated the Government is 'hoping that we will broaden the criteria by which genocide is judged by the Genocide Convention'.
During Leader's Questions, the Government was accused of a 'water-weak' position on why it is opposing legislation that aims to give Ireland the power to refuse its role in the sale of 'Israeli war bonds'.
Mr Martin accused Sinn Féin of trying to 'drive a wedge' between the Irish public and the Government.
The Central Bank of Ireland is the designated authority for the sale of Israel bonds in the EU.
Israeli bonds have been advertised as supporting the country's economy, and more recently, websites promoting the bonds emphasise their role in supporting Israel's military operation in Gaza.
The Central Bank is responsible for assessing whether a prospectus for the offer of securities is in compliance with the requirements of the EU Prospectus Regulation.
The Government opposed the legislation as advice from the Attorney General suggests that key provisions may be unworkable and may conflict with EU Treaties and our obligations as a Member State.
When the legislation was being debated on Tuesday evening, the Dáil had to be postponed as pro-Palestinian protestors started chanting and holding up banners from the Dáil public gallery.
A large protest took place outside Leinster House throughout Wednesday, calling for the Occupied Territories Bill to be passed before the summer and for it to include services.
During a debate on a Labour motion on Wednesday morning, Tánaiste Simon Harris said he is open to a conversation about including services.
He said: 'I do not have a policy difference with people who want to include services. I want to make sure that the law does not fall at the first legal hurdle.
'I am happy to be challenged and to be proven wrong at the Oireachtas foreign affairs committee about this issue.'