Condemnation of Israel grows in Ireland after Gaza killings

Simon Coveney, Ireland's Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) and Foreign Minister has summoned the Israeli ambassador to a meeting to express Ireland’s “shock and dismay” after the killing of 59 demonstrators with more than 2,700 wounded during protests along the Gaza border yesterday. As events unfolded yesterday the Minister said: “I am gravely concerned that the use of force seems disproportionate to the reported threat, and I reiterate that an independent investigation is urgently needed, as called for by the UN Secretary-General." A spokesperson for the Minister said that Israel's Ambassador to Dublin, Ze’ev Boker, has been informed of Irish demands for an independent international investigation into yesterday’s deaths led by the UN.  The Minister called for restraint from Israel in the hours and days ahead.

Further protests are expected today as Palestinians mark the Nakba, or “catastrophe,” commemorating the more than 700,000 Palestinians who fled or were expelled in the 1948 war surrounding Israel’s creation. The demonstrations increased as the United States yesterday transferred its Israel embassy from Tel Aviv to the disputed city of Jerusalem in a move that infuriated the Palestinians and was widely condemned. Ireland has made clear it will not be moving its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Ireland's President Michael D. Higgins said in a statement:

 “As President of Ireland I wish to express my deep concern at the deaths and injuries arising from the continued violent confrontations at the Gaza border.

“The escalating loss of life in Gaza is a tragic example of an unacknowledged failure of diplomacy. Now is the time for all of us to give voice to the yearning among our citizens for new thinking on achieving peaceful resolutions to the conflicts which challenge us all.

“What is urgently needed now are tangible steps to support a credible, internationally-led process towards peace and security in the region, which alone can bring a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

“At this very dangerous moment in time for the Middle East, I call on all involved to return to meaningful diplomacy, to avoid escalation and show the utmost care and respect for international treaties and agreements.”

Irish political party Sinn Féin's President Mary Lou McDonald said that the Irish Government must condemn the actions of Israel and the murder of dozen of Palestinian protesters in the strongest possible way. Teachta (member of Irish parliament) McDonald stated that the expulsion of Israeli diplomats and the recognition of the Palestinian state are measure that the government must consider this week.