Prime Minister Simon Harris Reaffirms Ireland’s Commitment to Palestine
Dublin: As Prime Minister Simon Harris prepares to step down, he has reaffirmed Ireland’s steadfast support for Palestine. In a phone call with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Harris expressed Ireland’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and pledged full support amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Call for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Support
Prime Minister Harris described the heartbreaking loss of innocent lives in Gaza, particularly during the Christmas period, as weighing heavily on the Irish public. He emphasised Ireland’s determination to push for a ceasefire and promised to leverage its membership in the European Union and the United Nations to advocate for peace.
Controversial Role in ICJ Case
Ireland’s involvement in South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was highlighted during the conversation. The case, which accuses Israel of violating international agreements, has been seen as a testament to Ireland’s commitment to Palestinian advocacy.
Dire Conditions in Gaza
President Abbas shared a grim picture of life in Gaza, reporting that 50 lives are lost daily, with an additional 100 injured. He noted that bombings are now occurring even in zones declared safe. Gaza’s civil defence agency reported seven fatalities from a drone strike in the al-Mawazi area, which Israel had designated as a safe zone.
Abbas described the dire humanitarian situation:
- Living Conditions: Over a million children live in appalling conditions, and families lack essentials such as food, clothing, and shelter.
- Health and Hygiene: Disease and extreme cold are spreading rapidly, and tens of thousands live without basic amenities, including bathrooms, potable water, and food.
- Demolitions: Buildings in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are being systematically destroyed.
Prime Minister Harris criticised the global community, stating, “The world is starving the innocent people of Gaza.”
Recognition of Palestine
Harris and Abbas also discussed Ireland’s decision to officially recognise Palestine, a move that has drawn both praise and criticism. Abbas thanked Harris for his steadfast support and expressed gratitude for Ireland’s recognition of Palestinian statehood. Harris noted that even leaders of countries that have yet to recognise Palestine respected Ireland’s stance. He reiterated that Israel has nothing to lose by recognising Palestine and highlighted his meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog throughout the year.
Opposition Criticism and Aid Commitment
Despite the opposition’s criticism of the government’s failure to pass the Occupied Territories Bill, Harris emphasised Ireland’s constitutional challenges with the bill. He also reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to supporting Palestine, particularly through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Ireland maintained its funding to the agency despite some Western countries withdrawing support following allegations of Hamas involvement in an October 2023 attack. Abbas praised Ireland for continuing its aid.
Aid Delivery Obstructions
Harris and Abbas addressed the issue of obstructed humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. International organisations, including Oxfam and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), accused the Israeli military of blocking access to northern Gaza. MSF described the situation as evidence of ethnic cleansing.
While 34 aid trucks have been permitted to deliver food and water, only 12 have reached the northern Gaza governorate in the past two and a half months. Israel has dismissed these allegations as baseless.
The two leaders also discussed the evacuation of eight seriously injured Palestinian children to Ireland for medical treatment, underscoring Ireland’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian efforts.
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