Cork: Cork City Council has officially voted to ban Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his government from entering the city. The resolution, which passed by a vote of 14 to 8 with two abstentions, follows the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) declaration that Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are illegal under international law.
While some councillors, particularly from Fianna Fáil and independent members, raised concerns that this decision could damage future diplomatic relations with Israel, the majority view supported the motion. The council’s resolution explicitly bars Netanyahu, the Israeli President, ambassadors, and other officials from entering Cork until Israel ends its occupation of Palestine and neighbouring territories.
Councillor Horgan’s Motion
Labour Councillor Peter Horgan, who introduced the resolution, emphasised that it is intended to send a firm message of condemnation against Israel’s actions. “Israel is not waging a war; it is killing people. Israel has no peace plans; they want to burn the earth,” Horgan stated. He reaffirmed that Cork City Council would continue to condemn Israel, even if the resolution is unlikely to reach Netanyahu and his government directly.
National and International Responses
Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin, along with Foreign Minister Martin, strongly criticised Israel for its military actions in Gaza, particularly in response to recent attacks in Jabalia, northern Gaza. Martin described the scenes as horrific and accused Israel of committing war crimes. He urged the international community to exert pressure on Israel to halt its attacks and called for immediate humanitarian access to affected areas, including the involvement of the UN and global media.
Palestinian medical officials have reported the deaths of a family of eight, including six children, in the Nuseirat refugee camp following Israeli airstrikes. Martin condemned these attacks, stating that innocent civilians were being forced from their homes, while being targeted with no place to escape.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee also expressed deep concern about escalating violence in Lebanon, particularly regarding the safety of Irish peacekeepers stationed there. The United Nations recently reported that a peacekeeper was shot in southern Lebanon, which has intensified Ireland’s monitoring of the situation.
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