Sinn Féin’s foreign affairs spokesperson said the Irish government should have personally joined South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Matt Carthy was speaking outside Leinster House about the incident in The Hague where Israel claims it committed genocide in Gaza.
“More than 10,000 children have now been killed as a result of indiscriminate shelling by Israel. This is a critical moment for international leadership. Unfortunately, that international leadership is lacking in many areas. Conspicuously lacking.
“The Irish government has been one of the most progressive voices on this issue, and we recognize that and welcome that,” he said. But he continued: “We must go beyond words. What the Palestinian people want, what international law demands and what humanity demands is meaningful action. We have taken meaningful action to bring this to The Hague, and we believe it is essential that the Irish Government joins that effort.
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Israel indicted on genocide charges at International Court of Justice
Israel is scheduled to appear before the International Court of Justice today to reject South Africa’s claims that it is committing genocide in Gaza. South Africa is calling on Israel to halt its military operation in Gaza, which has left 20,000 people dead and millions more displaced and starving. South Africa claims the Israeli military’s actions violate the 1948 Genocide Convention, an accusation Israel strongly denies. In this episode, Shane Darcy, Professor of Law at the University of Galway and Deputy Director of the Irish Center for Human Rights, joins Sorcha Pollack to discuss what the court will have to consider in this case.
He compared Ireland’s decision not to join the case brought by South Africa to the government’s decision to support Russia, which is being prosecuted by the International Criminal Court for invading Ukraine.
“The question has to be asked why there is such a polarized position regarding the Irish government when it comes to taking meaningful action regarding Israel.”
He said it was “untenable” for the Irish government to support the reappointment of Ursula von der Leyen, who continues to support Israel in its invasion of Gaza, as European Commission president.
He added that while Sinn Féin supported the European Union, it did not hesitate to say when the Union had done the wrong thing on austerity and foreign policy.
Mr Carthy called on the Irish government not to support Ms von der Leyen for another term, saying: “In my view it is absolutely unacceptable to recognize any government that values international law and human rights.” Stated. He will reappoint Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission.”
He agreed that there was no EU unity on this issue.
[ Maeve O’Rourke: Ireland could and should join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel ]
[ Explainer: the International Court of Justice and South Africa’s claim against Israel ]
“There are several countries that fully support Israel and refuse to take any meaningful action against Israel, and there is no evidence that that will change.
“The European Union as a whole is not yet in a position to call for a cease-fire. Therefore, it is imperative that member states within the EU, including Ireland, work with member states around the world to ensure that our voices are actually heard. is essential.
“In my view, the Irish people are absolutely horrified by what they saw in Gaza and are equally horrified that the international community will not act accordingly, just as South Africa has shown leadership. In the same way, Ireland must also show leadership.”
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