Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

What is happening in Rafah and Gaza is absolutely shocking and unacceptable.

In our view, it represents a clear violation of international humanitarian law. We have made that clear. Ireland has made submissions to the International Criminal Court, and was one of the few countries to make a strong oral presentation. We had made a written submission long before this war started. We have been strongly supportive of the UN agencies, in particular UNRWA. Our recent intervention in Israel's allegations against UNRWA were particularly effective and impactful in turning the tide back towards UNRWA, with countries removing their suspensions and providing aid to the agency once again. Ireland's advocacy has been well appreciated in that regard.

On the issue of recognition, Deputy Carthy is wrong. The date did not come from my office. Our understanding is that RTÉ's EU correspondent approached GIS and the Taoiseach's Department and mine and stated that the media in Slovenian circles had picked up that date. From my understanding, that is the origin of the story. That RTÉ correspondent is particularly resourceful in terms of his contacts and so on. That specific request was made to us.

Our view is that co-ordination matters. I disagree with Deputy Boyd Barrett, as a number of countries doing it together is far more impactful.

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