Roderic O'Gorman defends move to invite Israeli ambassador to National Famine Commemoration

Israel's Ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich attended the National Famine Commemoration in Edgeworthstown, Co Longford.

The decision to invite the Israeli ambassador to the National Famine Commemoration has been defended by Integration Minister Roderic O'Gorman.

The event in Edgeworthstown, Co Longford, was held to remember more than a million people who died during the Great Irish Famine and was attended by Taoiseach Simon Harris over the weekend.

However, the attendance of Ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich has sparked criticisms from some, including TDs Mick Barry and Paul Murphy.

Humanitarian organisations have been warning of famine conditions in Gaza, with UN under-secretary general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief co-ordinator Martin Griffiths signaling “apocalyptic” consequences due to the blocking of aid through the Rafah border.

Asked if it was right that the ambassador should attend the commemoration, Mr O'Gorman said he understands that some may have been angered by her presence.

"In terms of the famine commemoration, yes, I can understand why people would feel that."

However, he added that it is important to take "every opportunity" to engage with Israel and to make Ireland's stance clear around the need for a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave.

"I think we are all acutely aware of what's happening in Gaza right now, both the attacks but also the consequences of the denial of food and denial of basic humanitarian supplies," Mr O'Gorman said.

"But I have always believed in the context of the ambassador that it is better that we have the Israeli ambassador here so that we can engage and continue to put pressure on whoever holds that particular role, let them be in no doubt of the view of the Irish Government."

Recognition of Palestine

Both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste Micheál Martin have been involved in discussions with like-minded states around the recognition of Palestine.

The Government has made it clear that it will recognise the Palestinian state before the end of the month along with Spain. However, it is hoped that other states might also formally recognise Palestine at the same time. This could potentially include Slovenia, Belgium, and Malta.

Last week, the Taoiseach spoke with Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre on the issue. Recognition by Norway would be seen as significant given that country's role in the Oslo Accords, a deal between Israel and Palestine in 1993.