Ireland's Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin spoke about the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza in the Dáil Eireann on Tuesday, April 9.
“My priorities as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence reflect the fact these areas are more critical than ever to our country and our values," he said in the Dáil on Tuesday after new Taoiseach Simon Harris nominated his Cabinet members.
“The grave humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the desperate, overwhelming need to return some hope to this region will continue to be an urgent priority.
“I am realistic about the limits of what Ireland can reasonably be expected to achieve by itself, which is why I have invested so much effort in building effective co-operation with other countries.”
The Tánaiste continued: “In Europe, I have engaged in ongoing and intensive discussions with other countries, and Ireland's position has been widely acknowledged and appreciated.
“I have said very directly and in person to the Israeli Government that the shocking crimes of Hamas and the need to secure the release of the hostages cannot justify the scale or the terrible humanitarian catastrophe of the war it is waging.
“I am in no doubt that war crimes have been committed and I utterly condemn the ongoing bombardment of the Gazan people.
“I have ensured we have worked on behalf of the victims of this terrible war - the hostages and the people of Gaza.
“Thanks to our excellent diplomatic officials and the clear support of the Government as a whole, we secured the safe passage of many Irish citizens.
"We have defended the vital work of UNRWA and increased humanitarian aid, and I have indicated our decision to intervene in the ICJ case initiated by South Africa.
“I will continue this work and will miss no opportunity to promote Ireland's position.”
He continued: “There are some here who believe that angry speeches and unilateral action is the answer to everything, but our approach of building international alliances through the hard work of direct diplomacy will achieve far more for the Palestinian people.
“For the past six months, I have maintained ongoing discussions with ministerial colleagues in other countries about how a joint formal recognition of Palestinian statehood could be a catalyst to help the people of Gaza and the West Bank and in furthering an Arab-led peace initiative.
“We have agreed that the undermining of the Oslo Accords and, therefore, the agreement to create two states has reached a point where the accords' approach of recognition after a final agreement is not credible or tenable any longer.
“I have discussed this with those in the region who are working on peace initiatives, and co-ordination with other countries continues intensively.
“We have discussed this between the Government parties and it is my intention to bring to Government a formal proposal on recognition when these wider international discussions are complete, but be in no doubt, recognition of a Palestinian state will happen.”
His comments about recognizing a Palestinian state were met with applause in the Dáil on Tuesday.
The grave humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the desperate need to return some hope to this region is still an urgent priority.
It is my intention to bring to government a formal proposal on recognition of a Palestinian State when wider international discussions are complete. pic.twitter.com/i0g8PUiAS8
— Micheál Martin (@MicheálMartinTD) April 9, 2024
Martin was speaking after Simon Harris formally became Ireland's new Taoiseach on Tuesday less than three weeks after Leo Varadkar's surprise resignation as both Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael.
Varadkar had previously indicated that he was prepared to recognize a Palestinian state, but not unilaterally.
On Sunday, Harris said at his party's Ard Fheis: "We condemn the massacre carried out by Hamas in October and again call for the release of all hostages.
"But we cannot stay silent on the actions of Israel either.
"Reason has been replaced by revenge and by the bombing, maiming and death of children.
"Famine. A spectre no Irish person can bear.
"Anyone who can countenance deliberate starvation has lost their humanity.
"Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Irish people could not be clearer. We are repulsed by your actions.
"Ceasefire now and let the aid flow safely.
"We need a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side, in peace and security."
"I reiterate Ireland stands ready to recognise the state of Palestine."
“Prime minister Netanyahu, the Irish people could not be clearer. We are repulsed by your actions.”
Simon Harris delivered a strong message during his ardfheis speech in Galway today. Video courtesy Fine Gael. pic.twitter.com/s7UwIi2gz1
— The Irish Times (@IrishTimes) April 6, 2024
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