Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2024
166. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will continue to do everything in his power to ensure a permanent ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian assistance is provided for the people of Gaza. [4909/24]
View answerIreland was among the first countries to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and this remains a central focus of my continuing engagement, in addition to calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, and a massive scale up in humanitarian assistance, through full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
I will continue to use all the tools we have at our disposal – political, legal, diplomatic and humanitarian to pursue these priorities. This includes my ongoing engagement with regional partners as well as ensuring that Ireland is a leading voice within the European Union and at the United Nations, our continued development and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, and Ireland’s deep and longstanding commitment to international law.
I further note and welcome that, on 26 January, the International Court of Justice ordered provisional measures in the South Africa v Israel case. The Court, inter alia, ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts within the scope of Article II of the Genocide Convention and to ensure with immediate effect that its military does not commit any such acts. It also ordered Israel to take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance in Gaza. The Court’s order is legally binding and final. Israel must urgently implement all measures.
