Sinn Féin Senator Paul Gavan has directly challenged the leadership of the Council of Europe on their silence regarding the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people, and their specific failure to date to condemn the murderous actions of the Israeli government.

Senator Gavan is currently attending the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which is Europe’s human rights parliament in Strasbourg.

Speaking on behalf of the Unified European Left during questions to the Committee of Ministers, Senator Gavan said:

“The contrast between the strong condemnation by European Ministers of Russia for its illegal invasion of Ukraine and the abject silence by the same committee of ministers about the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

“We’re now nine months into the slaughter of the Palestinian people and I cannot find one word of condemnation anywhere from the Committee of Ministers. How do you explain this disgraceful stance of double standards?”

The response from Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, who was speaking on behalf of the Committee of Ministers, was to completely ignore the question before eventually expressing “deep concern” regarding what is happening in Gaza.

Speaking at the conclusion of the session, Senator Gavan expressed his dismay at the response he received from the Minister.

Senator Gavan added:

“It simply beggars’ belief that nine months into the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza, this institution which proclaims its values as being the upholding of human rights, democracy and the rule of law still cannot find any words of condemnation for Israel.

“This act of collective denial on behalf of the committee of ministers totally undermines any credibility when it comes to their other pronouncements such as those regarding Ukraine. You cannot be selective when it comes to defending human rights.”