Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Matt Carthy TD, has said that his party will bring a motion to the Dáil next week which will call on government to refer the brutal Israeli attacks in Gaza to the International Criminal Court for investigation.

Teachta Carthy said:

“This week Taoiseach Leo Varadkar stated that the failure of Israel to observe humanitarian law ‘can’t be inconsequential’.

“I welcome those remarks. There must be consequences for Israel’s deliberate targeting and killing of thousands of civilians; for the targeting and destroying of civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and mosques; for the mass forced displacement of Palestinian civilians; and for the denial of water, food, fuel and other essential supplies to the civilian population of Gaza.

“The first consequence should be the reiteration of our demand for immediate ceasefires, for the immediate release of all hostages, and for the unconditional adherence by all parties to their commitments under international law and the UN charter.

“Ireland should also exercise our right as a state party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to refer the actions in Palestine and Israel to the Prosecutor of the court for the purpose of requesting an investigation into any acts of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide that have occurred in Gaza over the past month. Sinn Féin will bring a resolution to the Dáil next week mandating the Irish government to make such a referral.

“Several international leaders, including the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, have suggested that Israel is committing war crimes. Certainly, Sinn Féin believes the evidence in that regard is clear.

“It is time again for Ireland to make a stand in defence of International Law. We hope to receive all-party support for this important motion.”