A MOTION TABLED by the Social Democrats that would require Ireland to join South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has been defeated.
A separate motion put forward by the Government, in which it says it is “strongly considering” intervening in the case, passed 71-62.
The motion said Ireland would consider an intervention after the Court has made its order on preliminary measures.
The ICJ indicated yesterday evening that it will deliver its preliminary ruling on the case tomorrow at 1pm Dutch time (noon, Irish time).
If granted, the ruling will likely order Israel to announce a ceasefire in Gaza and allow more UN humanitarian aid into the country.
Government figures here have also previously indicated this week that the State will until the case has passed the preliminary stage before it shows support for it, but opposition parties say this is not enough.
Government has once again chosen inaction.
— Holly Cairns TD (@HollyCairnsTD) January 24, 2024
Their refusal to commit to intervening in support of the Palestinian people, in the International Court of Justice, is indefensible.
Ireland has a responsibility under the genocide convention to act, and act now. pic.twitter.com/YAtWbzYaVK
During the debate on the motion yesterday, opposition TDs were mostly united on their support for the Social Democrats’ motion, arguing that the ICJ’s preliminary ruling “could take months”.
“Meanwhile, an average of 250 Palestinians are being killed every single day,” Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said.
Another motion by the government to amend large chunks of the Social Democrats’ motion case passed by 71 votes to 59.
Cairns accused the government of avoiding the use of the word “genocide” in reference to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Seemingly holding back tears as she spoke, Sinn Féin TD Imelda Munster described the perceived difference in the government’s attitude to Ukraine and Palestine as “naked hypocrisy”.
“Does he think the people of Palestine have time to wait around while he dithers?”
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