Tánaiste Simon Harris has said Palestinians must be allowed to “return safely to their home” and that any comments which run contrary to this are “unhelpful” and “a distraction.”
It comes after Israel said Ireland, Spain and Norway are “legally obligated” to take displaced Gaza residents in the wake of US president Donald Trump’s controversial plan for the enclave.
Trump announced earlier this week that the United States plans to take over Gaza, resettle the Palestinians to other countries and transform the territory into the “Riviera of the Middle East”.
When asked who will take in the Palestinians, Israeli defence minister Israel Katz was reported as saying “countries like Spain, Ireland, Norway, and others, which have levelled accusations and false claims against Israel over its actions in Gaza, are legally obligated to allow any Gaza resident to enter their territories,” he said.
Use of force in killing of four IRA men in British military ambush ‘not justified’ – coroner
Trump says Israel would hand Gaza over to US after fighting
Dubai chocolate: The sweet viral sensation driving 24/7 production at a Westmeath chocolatier
Danny Healy-Rae a lonely figure as Roaring Independents split
In response to the comments of Israel’s Defence Minister, a spokesperson for the Tánaiste said: “The priority for Ireland and the international community must remain on ensuring the sustainability of the ceasefire, the release of the hostages, a significant surge in humanitarian aid, the rebuilding of Gaza, and a political process that delivers a two-state solution. The objective must be that the people of Palestine return safely to their home and any comments to the contrary are unhelpful and a source of distraction.”
Social Democrats TD and foreign affairs spokesman Gary Gannon said, meanwhile, that there was “no hypocrisy in standing up for international law”.
“Netanyahu’s Government are being emboldened further by Trump’s America to carry out even more heinous crimes against the Palestinian people and now, even talk of Ethnic cleansing is being normalised,” he said.
“Ireland needs to stand firm and seek make the EU fund its moral compass against these merchants of chaos. Canada and Mexico proved recently that Trump, like all bullies, will stand back and against a unified determination to fight back.
“We should very clearly now be working with European partners to remove Israel from the trade agreement they have with the EU. It is only through consequence that these tyrannical regimes will step back.”
Labour TD Duncan Smith said Gazan people should not be forcibly removed. “Ireland would of course welcome any refugees fleeing war and genocide. One of the main impediments to Ireland providing safe harbour for Gazans was the fact Israel wasn’t letting them leave, instead subjecting them to 15 months of brutal bombardment.
“What no country should have to do is take in people who are being forcibly removed from a region in what would amount to another Nakba. We have recognised the Palestinian state and a two state solution.
“The latest policy from the United States and Israel as articulated by President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu is absolutely egregious and must be resisted by the entire international community.”
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis
