John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

856.To ask the Minister for Health the reason the Irish delegate at the World Health Assembly abstained last week on a motion demanding the release of Israeli hostages and condemning the abuse of Gazan civilian facilities by the Hamas terrorist organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25378/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On Wednesday 29 March, Ireland voted in favour of a Decision of the World Health Assembly addressing “Health Conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East-Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan". During the course of the debate, a number of individual amendments were proposed by States.

In its Explanation of Vote, Ireland recalled its clear position on the release of hostages. All hostages should be released immediately and unconditionally. The taking of hostages is a despicable act in any context. It is a war crime. Ireland opposes this horrific practice without qualification, and in all circumstances.

Ireland also noted that our justified outrage and condemnation of the terror attacks of 7 October and our empathy with the hostages and their families must not be presented in a manner that obscures the unacceptable nature of the Israeli response and its obligation to implement the measures ordered by the International Court of Justice.

Healthcare facilities are protected under international humanitarian law. Hospitals, ambulances, and medical professionals should be free to operate effectively and in safety.

This is a basic principle of international humanitarian law, one which binds all sides in the conflict. It should be respected in all circumstances by all.

These were the fundamental considerations that guided Ireland’s voting position on this Decision as a whole and the individual amendments proposed.