Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Matt Carthy TD, has described the hanging of the Israeli flag in Leinster House as ‘disgraceful’ and called on the Taoiseach and Tánaiste ‘to intervene to have the flag removed immediately.’

While the Palestinian flag flew on the lawn of Leinster House earlier this week to mark Irish recognition of the state of Palestine, no explanation has yet been given as to why the Israeli flag is now currently displayed inside the entrance to Leinster House alongside the flags of Ireland, Palestine and the United Nations.

Teachta Carthy said:

“Ireland this week recognised the state of Palestine, nearly 10 years after a Sinn Féin Dáil motion was adopted to do so.

“This long overdue decision was in recognition that Israel, over the course of many years, has breached international law to block a two-state solution and lasting peace.

“It is absolutely scandalous that the flag of a Israel would be hung in our houses of parliament while that state is before the International Court of Justice; when it is in breach of the orders of that court by not ceasing their military operations in Rafah; and when the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has sought arrest warrants for their leaders.

“Israel is in gross violation of international law. Its flag has no place in Ireland’s parliament.

“The Taoiseach, Simon Harris, and Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, must intervene to have the Israeli flag removed from Leinster House immediately.”