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Belfast Telegraph
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Israeli aid blockade on Gaza clearly a ‘war crime', says Taoiseach
Taoiseach Micheal Martin called for the embargo on food and other vital supplies entering the region to be lifted immediately. Mr Martin said it was wrong 'in principle and in law' to 'inflict hunger and suffering on a civilian population'. The Fianna Fail leader criticised the blockade, which has been in placed for more than 50 days, as he addressed the Global Ireland summit in Dublin. The summit is a Government initiative to examine Ireland's relationship with the rest of the world and how it engages in geopolitical affairs. The Taoiseach's comments came a day after Israeli officials said cabinet ministers had approved a plan to seize Gaza and remain in the region for an unspecified amount of time. Mr Martin described that proposal as 'wholly unacceptable'. Last year, Ireland officially recognised Palestine and as sovereign and independent state. In his speech to the summit in Dublin Castle, Mr Martin reiterated the Government's support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 'The horrific and unjustified attack by Hamas on Israel on 7 October 2023 has been followed by the brutal waging of war by Israel in Gaza, that has inflicted appalling suffering on Palestinians in Gaza while increasing tensions in an already damaged and fragile region,' he said. 'There must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and the resumption of unhindered humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and at an unprecedented scale. 'It has been over 50 days since food, medicines and other essential supplies have not been allowed enter Gaza. Israel's continuing humanitarian blockade is pushing Gaza closer to a hunger crisis. This must be lifted immediately. 'It is simply wrong, in principle and in law, to inflict hunger and suffering on a civilian population, whatever the circumstances. This behaviour clearly constitutes a war crime. 'It is also wholly unacceptable to contemplate the mass displacement of people in Gaza or to talk of permanent occupation. Not only is it an affront to decency and to international law, history tells us it offers no solution. 'Ireland remains convinced that the implementation of a two-state solution is the only way to establish lasting peace and security for both Israel and Palestine, and the wider region. We will continue to work with international partners to step up our efforts to achieve that goal.'
Irish Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Taoiseach accuses Israel of 'war crimes' over blockage of aid to Gaza
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has stated Israel's behaviour 'clearly constitutes a war crime' as it continues to block humanitarian aid entering Gaza. The blockade has now been in place for more than 50 days. It has also announced plans to seize the Gaza Strip and expand its military operation in the area. Speaking at the Global Ireland summit at Dublin Castle, the Taoiseach condemned Israel and stated that the blockage of aid constituted a war crime. Mr Martin said: 'The horrific and unjustified attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023 has been followed by the brutal waging of war by Israel in Gaza, that has inflicted appalling suffering on Palestinians in Gaza while increasing tensions in an already damaged and fragile region. 'There must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and the resumption of unhindered humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and at an unprecedented scale. 'It has been over fifty days since food, medicines and other essential supplies have not been allowed enter Gaza. 'Israel's continuing humanitarian blockade is pushing Gaza closer to a hunger crisis. This must be lifted immediately. 'It is simply wrong, in principle and in law, to inflict hunger and suffering on a civilian population, whatever the circumstances. 'This behaviour clearly constitutes a war crime. It is also wholly unacceptable to contemplate the mass displacement of people in Gaza or to talk of permanent occupation. Taoiseach Micheál Martin. 'Not only is it an affront to decency and to international law, history tells us it offers no solution. 'Ireland remains convinced that the implementation of a two-State solution is the only way to establish lasting peace and security for both Israel and Palestine, and the wider region.' Speaking outside the summit, Mr Martin said it was a 'breach of international law'. He continued: 'To conduct a war in that manner, to deprive an entire population of food, of the necessities of life, of basic life, in my view, constitutes a war crime. Israel should desist from this.' The Taoiseach added that the world is 'looking on appalled" at what is happening in Gaza and the Palestinians have 'suffered enough' and 'far, far too much'. He also stated that all hostages needed to be released, including those taken by Hamas, noting 'that's a war crime in itself'. Asked how he expected Israel to respond, Mr Martin said he was 'just calling it as I see it', noting he was 'taken aback again, if one could even be at this stage' at the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israeli aid blockade on Gaza clearly a ‘war crime', says Taoiseach
Israel's blockade on humanitarian aid entering Gaza 'clearly constitutes a war crime', Ireland's premier has said. Taoiseach Micheal Martin called for the embargo on food and other vital supplies entering the region to be lifted immediately. Mr Martin said it was wrong 'in principle and in law' to 'inflict hunger and suffering on a civilian population'. A pro-Palestine demonstrator outside the Dail in Dublin in March (Brian Lawless/PA) The Fianna Fail leader criticised the blockade, which has been in placed for more than 50 days, as he addressed the Global Ireland summit in Dublin. The summit is a Government initiative to examine Ireland's relationship with the rest of the world and how it engages in geopolitical affairs. ADVERTISEMENT The Taoiseach's comments came a day after Israeli officials said cabinet ministers had approved a plan to seize Gaza and remain in the region for an unspecified amount of time. Mr Martin described that proposal as 'wholly unacceptable'. Last year, Ireland officially recognised Palestine and as sovereign and independent state. In his speech to the summit in Dublin Castle, Mr Martin reiterated the Government's support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 'The horrific and unjustified attack by Hamas on Israel on 7 October 2023 has been followed by the brutal waging of war by Israel in Gaza, that has inflicted appalling suffering on Palestinians in Gaza while increasing tensions in an already damaged and fragile region,' he said. 'There must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and the resumption of unhindered humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and at an unprecedented scale. ADVERTISEMENT 'It has been over 50 days since food, medicines and other essential supplies have not been allowed enter Gaza. Israel's continuing humanitarian blockade is pushing Gaza closer to a hunger crisis. This must be lifted immediately. 'It is simply wrong, in principle and in law, to inflict hunger and suffering on a civilian population, whatever the circumstances. This behaviour clearly constitutes a war crime. 'It is also wholly unacceptable to contemplate the mass displacement of people in Gaza or to talk of permanent occupation. Not only is it an affront to decency and to international law, history tells us it offers no solution. 'Ireland remains convinced that the implementation of a two-state solution is the only way to establish lasting peace and security for both Israel and Palestine, and the wider region. We will continue to work with international partners to step up our efforts to achieve that goal.'
The Journal
06-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
'The world is not doing enough': Tánaiste 'sickened' by Israel's continued blockade of Gaza
TÁNAISTE SIMON HARRIS has said he is 'sickened' by Israel's continued blockade of aid into Gaza and argued that the 'world is not doing enough'. 'We cannot and will not stand idly by and let this happen,' he said. 'When people look back at this moment in history, they're going to look back and they're going to say the world did not do enough. Be clear about that, the world is not doing enough,' he added. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs made the comments today at the Global Ireland conference in Dublin Castle, where he delivered a speech about Ireland's role in the world and this government's foreign policy. Harris told those gathered that Israel's latest plan to expand its operation in Gaza is 'extraordinarily alarming'. He appealed for Israel to comply with international law. It is now over two months since Israel imposed the blockade, with humanitarian organisations warning that Gaza is now on the brink of famine as a result. Simon Harris speaking this morning. The Tánaiste called for an immediate end to hostilities, the release of all remaining hostages, and the resumption of humanitarian aid at scale into and throughout Gaza. Ukraine The Tánaiste also spoke about the need for an end to Russia's illegal war against Ukraine. He said Russia's actions represent a 'serious threat to global peace and security' and stressed that any negotiations on peace must have Ukraine's voice at the centre. Advertisement He argued that one of the most important long-term security guarantees that can be offered to Ukraine is membership of the European Union. 'It is time to bring Ukraine into the European family where it belongs,' he said to applause. Also speaking this morning at the conference was Ukraine's Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, who addressed the conference by video link from Kyiv. In his speech, he thanked Ireland for 'standing on the side of good' since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago. He said he does not believe Moscow is serious about a ceasefire. 'Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire,' he said, adding that the country is also ready for real peace but that confidence measures are needed, such as the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war. Tariffs The Tánaiste also spoke about the European Union's response to Trump's tariffs. He stressed that the EU stands united in its response to the economic uncertainty, adding that 'so many people underestimate EU unity'. He said Ireland sees 'no justification at all for tariffs imposed by the US'. 'Those who think the European Union will not be united on trade and the economy, don't understand the European Union and don't understand our values,' he said. In attendance today at the Global Ireland Summit in Dublin Castle are members for Ireland's diplomatic corps, leaders from across the civil and public service, business, and the community and civil society sectors. Ireland's ambassadors, consuls general and other senior officials from across the Embassy network are also in attendance. 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
