Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)

What we are witnessing in Gaza is not just a failure of diplomacy but also a moral collapse of the international order. The bombardment, forced starvation and displacement of Palestinians are not abstract tragedies; they are livestreamed horrors etched into our collective conscience. Ireland, with its history of colonial oppression and enforced starvation, cannot look away as mams and dads – those few who are left alive after 19 months of bombardment – watch their babies die of hunger in their arms. We need action, not words or statements. We need concrete, tangible actions.

Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D. Higgins, in his address at the national Famine commemoration, correctly stated that the UN Security Council is blocking action and thereby facilitating the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people. He has pointed a path forward: the UN General Assembly. It can demand and approve an urgent UN-mandated humanitarian and peace support operation. Ireland is uniquely placed to lead in this regard as a neutral voice and former colony that is respected and valued internationally in Europe and the global south. In Waterford, groups such as Gaeil ar son Gaza and Waterford for Palestine demand sanctions against Israel and organise rallies, which are growing ever larger. Waterford is twinned with Ramallah in the West Bank and many towns and cities are following suit. South East IPSC organises aid convoys and Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine sends vital supplies. Even children are acting here in Ireland. Scoil Náisiúnta na Rinne has, along with others, fundraised to send water tankers to Gaza, teaching us that empathy knows no age. Solidarity marches, rallies and vigils are growing in size and are happening in cities, towns and villages all across Ireland. That is patriotism. Solidarity is part of our DNA. Our history is the Gazans lived reality. We know right from wrong and we stand with Palestine. In this context, it is beyond infuriating that the Irish Government refuses to follow words with tangible, concrete actions.

Despite the review and the progress of recent days, the EU–Israel trade deal still stands. Israel enjoys preferential trade with the EU while committing genocide. The Government is still blind – wilfully, if we are being honest – to the use of our airspace to equip the genocide. The Irish Central Bank is used as a conduit for Israel’s so-called war bonds, financing the horrors unleashed on the captive civilian population of Gaza. If there is any shred of humanity, the Government should take tangible, strong actions, enact the occupied territories Bill, close our airspace to those transiting weapons and components, and lead the UN General Assembly.

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