Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, release of all hostages, administrative detainees and political prisoners, and an end to Israeli apartheid.

Speaking on Palestinian Prisoners Day, the party’s Middle East spokesperson said:

“There is 9,500 Palestinians, including 3,660 administrative detainees, 200 children, 80 female prisoners and 17 Palestinian Legislative Council members in Israeli jails. 

“Genocide, incarceration, detention, occupation and discrimination are systematic practices that the apartheid Israeli state inflicts on the Palestinian people. 

“But for 193 days the international community has watched Israel’s blatant disregard for human rights and international law.  

“It is imperative that all diplomatic and political options to achieve an immediate and permanent ceasefire, release of all hostages and humanitarian aid be exhausted.

“Ireland must not delay any further its declaration to join South Africa’s genocide case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“While we welcome the recently announced partial divestment, the Irish Government must enact the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill to ensure total divestment and a legislative prohibition on any future investments.

“The government must also without hesitation expel the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland.

“Until Israel ceases its systems of apartheid and oppression, then boycott, divestment and sanctions must be implemented.”