Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 March 2024
125. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to conduct a detailed assessment of whether genocide is being committed in the context of the war in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13357/24]
View answerThe Government is deeply concerned at the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. As the Deputy will be aware, South Africa initiated proceedings at the International Court of Justice against Israel in which it claims that Israel has violated a number of provisions of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide (‘Genocide Convention’). I have been closely monitoring developments in this case.
I welcomed the Court’s January Order in the case, particularly the direction that Israel take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Ireland has been consistent in calling for these from the start of this conflict.
My officials continue to analyse the legal and policy aspects of this case, and we are in contact with South Africa and other like-minded partners in this regard.
