Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Matt Carthy TD, has said that government has serious questions to answer in respect of allegations that Israeli military aircraft have been using Irish controlled airspace during the genocide in Gaza.

Deputy Carthy was responding to the latest article on The Ditch website, which contends that an Israeli-operated cargo plane flew across Ireland loaded with explosives for use by the IDF.

Deputy Carthy added that Sinn Féin leader, Mary Lou McDonald, earlier this week wrote to An Taoiseach seeking clarification as to the steps government have taken to ensure that Irish airports are not being used to facilitate the supply of military equipment to Israel.

Teachta Carthy said:

“This Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael/Green Party government has rendered the concept of Irish neutrality as virtually meaningless. They now have serious questions to answer in respect of the articles on The Ditch website, which contend that Irish airspace is routinely used to facilitate the transfer of weapons for use by Israel in its ongoing genocide in Gaza. That runs contrary to assurances provided to the Dáil by Taoiseach Simon Harris, Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Transport Minister Eamon Ryan.

“The latest report suggests that earlier this year an Israeli-operated cargo plane flew across Ireland loaded with explosives for use by the IDF.

“The government must immediately confirm whether this instance occurred. If it did it means that either the Irish government gave permission for this violation of our neutrality or that Israel breached international and Irish domestic law.

“Our government leaders need to be honest with the Irish people.

“Earlier this week Sinn Féin leader, Mary Lou McDonald, wrote to An Taoiseach to express our concerns regarding the ongoing use of Shannon Airport by the US military and the use of Irish-controlled airspace by aircraft facilitating the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).

“Deputy McDonald has sought clarification from the Taoiseach on the additional steps his government has taken to ensure that Irish airports are not being used to facilitate the supply of military equipment to Israel. She has also directly asked An Taoiseach to confirm whether the government has authorised the US military, or any other body, to transport munitions through Irish-controlled airspace during the onslaught on Gaza.

“Neutrality means something to the Irish people, if not to the current government. It is imperative that we use our neutrality and independent foreign policy to hold Israel accountable for its ongoing violations of International law. As a first step that means using all mechanisms available to ensure that our airports and airspace is not being used to assist Israel in its genocidal attacks on the Palestinian people.”