Higgins slams claims linking Gaza criticism to anti-Semitism as 'outrageous'

President Michael D Higgins, his wife Sabina, Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City. Picture: Maxwells/PA wire

President Michael D Higgins has described as “outrageous” and a “lie” the claim that anybody who criticises Israel over its war on Gaza should be labelled anti-Semitic or a supporter of Hamas.

He was speaking at a press conference at the Pontifical Irish College in Rome hours after the funeral of Pope Francis.