President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins said it was "entirely wrong" to describe valid criticism of Israel as antisemitic following a private audience with Pope Francis in the Vatican on Thursday morning.
Speaking after Thursday's meeting, President Michael D. Higgins said there "may have been war crimes" committed during the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Higgins said there was a need for "sophisticated, honest, straight discussion" when it came to criticizing Israel but added that "nobody should tolerate antisemitism for a moment".
"It is incredibly important at this stage as we move on now from the horrific, horrific events that have taken place [in Israel and Gaza] that we be absolutely unequivocal about antisemitic expression, but I do think it is incredibly important that the distinction be honored between those who make criticisms, for example of any breaches of international law and indeed of illegal settlements," Higgins said on Thursday.
"If you are criticizing the state of Israel for illegal settlements – some of us have in the past – it is entirely wrong to be describing that as antisemitic. So, we have to get to a sophisticated, honest, straight discussion."
Higgins added that Hamas had breached international law by taking hostages and called for those hostages to be released.
"That is a breach of international law. If you believe in international humanitarian law, you must be level and see it in all its circumstances and you must stand by it and vindicate it."
Higgins had been expected to discuss climate change, migration, global poverty, food security, the rights of indigenous people, and global peace during the private audience with Pope Francis at the Pontiff's library in the Vatican.
Higgins also presented Pope Francis with a sculpture by Irish sculptor John Behan to pay tribute to the Pope's work on issues facing refugees and migrants around the world.
Higgins and Pope Francis have now met four times, including previous meetings at the Vatican in 2017 and 2021 and a meeting in Áras an Uachtaráin in 2018 during the Pope's visit to Ireland.
Higgins also met Pope Francis at the Papal inauguration in 2013.
After the 30-minute private audience on Thursday, Higgins held a bilateral with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin and later traveled to Campo Santo in the Teutonic Pontifical College to lay a wreath in honor of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, who helped to save countless lives during the Nazi occupation of Rome during the Second World War.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of Monsignor O'Flaherty's death.
Higgins additionally attended an exhibition at the college detailing the role of Irish scholars and missionaries in shaping a European identity on Thursday evening.
Higgins' visit to Rome also included a meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarrella on Tuesday.
Higgins kicked off his visit to Rome with an address at the opening session of the World Food Forum and is set to provide the keynote address at the closing session of the event on Friday.
President Michael D Higgins laying a wreath at Campo di Santo to commemorate Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty who saved thousands of Jews in WWII @rtenews pic.twitter.com/RqrXmTBfLM
— Sandra Hurley (@sandra_hurley) October 19, 2023
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