Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has welcomed the significant and decisive judgement from the International Court of Justice and said the only way for the order of the court to be fulfilled is through a full, immediate and permanent ceasefire.

She called on the Irish government to now join with South Africa in their case to hold Israel accountable for their crimes against the Palestinian people.

Ms. McDonald said:

“Today’s preliminary judgement from the International Court of Justice is decisive and significant. It has established that South Africa has standing and that Israel has a case to answer. The International Court of Justice has ordered that Israel cease the targeting and killing of Palestinians, that is must take measures to prevent acts of genocide in the Gaza strip and that it must allow humanitarian aid into Gaza,

“Today’s rulings are binding on Israel. They must be respected and enforced. Israeli impunity must end.

“The only way to fulfil the order of the court is through a full, immediate and permanent ceasefire.

“The decision of the court today must be met by the International community with a clear and unequivocal call for a permanent ceasefire.

“The Irish government, having heard the provisional ruling of the International Court of Justice must now clearly and unequivocally indicate their intention to join with South Africa in their case to hold Israel accountable for their crimes against the Palestinian people.

“Sinn Féin has lodged a motion in the Dáil committing Ireland to join with South Africa in their case at the International Court of Justice. The motion will be debated next week and we fully expect that the government will support this motion.”