Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Matt Carthy TD, has said that diplomatic, economic and trade penalties must be applied in response to Israel’s ongoing breaches of international law.

Deputy Carthy welcomed that the Irish government has joined other states in urging the EU to demand a ceasefire in Gaza and that the UN General Assembly on Tuesday overwhelmingly backed a motion to that effect.

However, he said that the failure of the UN Security Council to adopt a position, due to the use of the veto by the United States, meant that Ireland should work with others to take measures against the Israeli regime.

Speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday, Deputy Carthy told the Taoiseach:

“After 65 days of brutal Israeli assaults on Gaza, more than 18,000 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 6,000 children.

“It must stop. The world must force Israel to stop.

“I welcome that the Irish Government has joined Spain, Belgium and Malta in urging the European Union to call for a ceasefire. The failure of the EU to adopt that position already has undermined Europe’s credibility as a voice for peace, international law and conflict resolution.

“I hope EU leaders will now finally act. However, if they do not, the Taoiseach and government should commit to working with those other signatories and other states, inside and outside the EU, to bring forward measures to put a price on Israel’s blatant breaches of international law.

“There must be diplomatic, economic and trade penalties for a regime that is breaching international law in such a blatant manner.”

Speaking following the UN General Assembly vote, Deputy Carthy said:

“From the outset of the events of October 7th Sinn Féin has called for a full ceasefire. The Israeli war in Gaza is barbaric and a clear violation of international humanitarian law. An unconditional ceasefire must now be urgently declared.

“All members of the United Nations, including the members of the Security Council, should support that position and uphold the UN Charter. Anything less gives licence to Israel to continue its aggression against the civilian population of Gaza.”