President has been 'clear' in his condemnation of all killings in Gaza, says spokesman

Labour leader Ivana Bacik said the Israeli ambassador's position in Ireland is 'under question'

Dana Elrich told the Sunday Independent the effects of President Michael D Higgins' comments were 'inflammatory' and had 'unfortunately' spread misinformation.

President Michael D Higgins has been “clear” in comments about the war between Israel and Hamas and has condemned all killings that have taken place, his spokesman has said.

The response from Áras an Uachtaráin comes after the Israeli ambassador to Ireland, Dana Erlich, accused President Higgins of making misinformed comments after he accused Israel of breaking international law.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik also spoke out on the issue and has said the ambassador’s comments are a “serious matter”. Ms Bacik said Ms Elrich's position here in Ireland is “under question.” 

Ms Elrich said she believes that the effect of the President's comments was "inflammatory" and that Israel was not breaking international law in Gaza.

In a statement, a spokesman for President Higgins said he has expressed his “revulsion” at the killings of civilians by Hamas.

He said: “The President’s comments related to the breach of international law that attacking civilians as collective punishment represents.

The President has condemned all of the outrages and killings that have taken place and said that in responding to all of this, it is important that international law is observed.

“The President has expressed his revulsion at the killing of civilians by Hamas, called for the immediate release of all hostages taken and has been clear that we must be absolutely unequivocal about antisemitic expression,” the spokesman added.

Ms Elrich agreed that President Higgins sympathised with the Palestinian cause and said she did not object to it. But, she felt that in Ireland, the conversation has been "hijacked" and that "if you are 'pro-Palestinian', you have to be 'anti-Israeli'."

Ms Elrich told the Sunday Independent the effects of the President's comments were "inflammatory" and had "unfortunately" spread misinformation.

Speaking to The Week in Politics, Ms Bacik defended Mr Higgins and said "he did have a right" to raise the issue.

"The President has said nothing more than what [Government] has been saying," she said.

Ms Bacik continued that in her view the Israeli ambassador "has overstepped the line, I think it [the Israeli ambassador's comment] was outrageous".

"She accused him of breaking the law, of saying something that was untrue, and I think her position is now under question," the Labour leader added.

Israel pounded southern Gaza with air strikes on Sunday and said it would intensify its attacks in the enclave’s north.

A second convoy of aid trucks entered the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing today heading towards Gaza, according to Egyptian security and humanitarian sources.