DUBLIN: Ireland’s Prime Minister Simon Harris has reiterated that Ireland will continue to speak out on the Gaza conflict, despite Israel’s decision to close its embassy in Dublin. This response comes after Israel’s objection to Ireland’s stance on the Palestinian cause and support for South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Press Talk
Addressing the press in Dublin, Harris accused Israel of attempting to divert attention away from its actions in Gaza. The Irish PM expressed pride in his country’s position on Palestinian rights and noted, “You’re all here today asking about Ireland’s position. What about Israel’s actions?” Harris pointed to the ongoing suffering of Gaza’s children under Israeli airstrikes and military actions, condemning Israel’s behavior as a “diplomacy of distraction.”
He added, “I think it is deeply regrettable that they took that decision [to close the embassy]. They have every right to do so, but I would rather it didn’t happen.” Despite the embassy’s closure, Harris emphasized that Ireland would continue to engage diplomatically on the issue and would not be silenced.
“We will continue to engage, continue to engage diplomatically, but nobody is going to silence Ireland,” Harris affirmed. “We know right from wrong. We value human rights, and we respect international law.”
Harris also reiterated that Ireland would maintain its embassy in Tel Aviv and continue to engage with Israel despite their disagreement. “We will also not allow our position to be misrepresented by the government of Israel,” he declared firmly.
At the heart of Harris’s remarks was his firm condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza, including the deaths of innocent civilians, particularly children. “Do you know what I think is reprehensible? Killing children. I think that’s reprehensible. You know what I think is reprehensible? Seeing the scale of civilian deaths we’ve seen in Gaza,” Harris said.
He also criticized the lack of access to humanitarian aid and the starving of Palestinians in Gaza: “You know what I think is reprehensible? People being left to starve and humanitarian aid not flowing.”
Conclusion
The closure of the Israeli embassy marks a significant diplomatic move in the ongoing tension between Israel and Ireland. The situation continues to be a focal point of international discussion, as Harris remains steadfast in his commitment to defending the rights of Palestinians.
