Egyptian ambassador claims Irish Government has not condemned Israeli actions in Gaza

In recent days, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said that it is possible that war crimes could be unfolding in Gaza, adding that the Israeli bombardment is "disproportionate" and out of line with international humanitarian law. Picture date: Saturday November 4, 2023.

Fianna Fáil TDs and senators had a “robust” exchange with the Egyptian ambassador in a private meeting after he said that the Irish Government had not condemned Israeli actions in Gaza.

The meeting took place between Fianna Fáil TDs and senators and the Egyptian ambassador Sherif Elkholi as well as Palestinian ambassador Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid.

It is understood that during the meeting, Mr Elkholi told attending politicians that Ireland had not condemned the actions of Israel in Gaza.

This led to strong pushback from those in attendance, with Longford-Westmeath TD Joe Flaherty saying he and other party members have condemned the attacks in the Dáil chamber.

In recent days, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said that it is possible that war crimes could be unfolding in Gaza, adding that the Israeli bombardment is "disproportionate" and out of line with international humanitarian law.

There were also pleas from TDs for more work to be done to get Irish-Israeli hostage, Emily Hand, out of Gaza, with the ambassadors explaining that negotiations on hostage releases are being led by Qatar.

TDs also sought clarity on why the Rafah Crossing is not open on a more consistent basis, questioning why additional aid is not getting in.

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Meanwhile, the Israeli embassy will not be permitted to show a video depicting the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October, which saw 1,400 Israelis killed, in Leinster House.

It is understood that Ceann Comhairle Sean Ó Fearghaíl refused the request to have the graphic footage shown within the Leinster House campus.

The Israeli ambassador, Dana Erlich, said on Tuesday that she had wanted to invite all TDs and Senators to watch the footage, suggesting that it be played in Leinster House or another location.

Earlier this week, members of the media were invited to the Israeli embassy to watch the 43-minute video, which was collected from Hamas terrorists, CCTV footage, emergency services and the cameras of victims on 7 October.

Elsewhere, at the Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar reiterated calls for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and that all hostages held by Hamas should be released.

Mr Varadkar said that there were up to 40 Irish citizens in Gaza at present, adding that getting all citizens and dependents out of the region is the Government’s priority.

Fine Gael TDs and Senators also heard a call for Education Minister Norma Foley to answer questions over the review of the school transport scheme.

Fine Gael senator Tim Lombard called for Ms Foley to come before the party to answer questions.

A review of the scheme itself is underway with Ms Foley telling reporters over the weekend that it’s completion is “fairly imminent”.

Mr Lombard told the parliamentary party that getting every child a place on a school bus should be examined, saying it would coincide with existing climate plans.