Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan has welcomed the decision of the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, and called on all European leaders to ensure the warrants are fully enforced

The Dublin MEP said:

“I welcome the decision from the International Criminal Court to issue these warrants for the arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant for war crimes committed against Gaza civilians.

“The court cited the use of starvation as a weapon, blocking the movement of humanitarian aid, and deliberate actions to deprive civilians of essential goods as reasons for issuing the warrant.

“The Irish government, along with all member states and the EU itself, must now be clear that they will stand up for international law and ensure that these arrest warrants are fully enforced.

“Member states cannot once again stand in silence and allow Israel to further undermine international law, and the work of international bodies like UNRWA and the United Nations as a whole.

“The UN and other international organisations help to keep people safe and guarantee their human rights through International Law.

“When International Law is not enforced, it leaves those with no regard for human rights free to act with no regard for the human rights of the vulnerable, and poses a threat to everyone.

“Today is an opportunity to take the first step towards justice, and I want all EU member states, including the Irish Government, to ensure the full application of International Law in upholding these warrants.”