Two motions calling for the expulsion of the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland, imposing sanctions against Israel, and referring Israel to the International Criminal Court were defeated in the Dáil Éireann on Wednesday night, November 15.
Sinn Féin introduced a motion on Tuesday calling, in part, for Ireland to refer Israeli attacks in Gaza to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation.
An amendment to Sinn Féin's motion, which removed the call to refer Israel to the ICC, passed with 77 votes to 58, while the amended motion ultimately passed 80 votes to 60 votes.
Sinn Féin called the result "shameful" on Wednesday night.
Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael & the Green Party vote AGAINST referral of Israel to the International Criminal Court.
Shameful!#CeasefireNow #Palestine ?? pic.twitter.com/nQ79iKOnLt
— Sinn Féin (@sinnfeinireland) November 15, 2023
The Social Democrats introduced another motion on Wednesday calling on the Government to withdraw diplomatic status from the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland and push for the imposition of EU-wide economic sanctions on Israel.
An amendment to the Social Democrats' motion, which removed the calls to expel the Israeli Ambassador and impose sanctions, passed by a vote of 85 to 55, while the amended motion ultimately passed, also with a vote of 85 to 55.
The Social Democrats had the same sentiment as Sinn Féin in the face of defeat.
In the face of an impending genocide in Gaza, the Govt voted against our motion to sanction Israel.
Shameful pic.twitter.com/gAZ9teR5mz
— Social Democrats (@SocDems) November 15, 2023
TD Matt Carthy, who introduced the Sinn Féin motion on Tuesday, said on Wednesday night that the result was "gutting" and "shameful."
He added: "Regardless of this vote, the Irish people stand with Palestine & International Law!"
This is gutting.
— Matt Carthy TD (@mattcarthy) November 15, 2023
Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael & the Green Party (and Independents) vote AGAINST referral of Israel to the International Criminal Court. Shameful!
Regardless of this vote, the Irish people stand with Palestine & International Law! pic.twitter.com/6dtnKaOMPL
TD Holly Cairns, who introduced the Social Democrats' motion on Wednesday, accused the Irish government of choosing not to act.
The Government has just voted down the @SocDems motion calling for sanctions on Israel.
The slaughter of innocent civilians in Gaza will not end without international pressure.
Despite the overwhelming support of the Irish people, this Government has chosen not to act. pic.twitter.com/IKj4ktvtyR
— Holly Cairns TD (@HollyCairnsTD) November 15, 2023
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As the Dáil was considering the two motions, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside of Leinster House calling for a ceasefire.
Outside Leinster House, more than a thousand people have gathered ahead of votes on motions calling for the Israeli ambassador to be expelled and for Israel to be referred to the International Criminal Court. pic.twitter.com/3XB0i72k5r
— Paul Hosford (@PTHosford) November 15, 2023
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