Tweet deleted after Israeli diplomat accuses Ireland of funding tunnels used by Hamas

Deputy head of mission for the Israeli Embassy here posted on X, formerly Twitter, that Ireland helped fund the tunnels under the Gaza Strip used primarily by militants

Part of the damage on al Rashid main Street caused by Israeli bombardment on Gaza City. Picture: AP Photo/Abed Khaled

The Israeli embassy is clarifying its position after its second most senior diplomat accused Ireland of funding tunnels under Gaza that are used by Hamas.

Adi Ophir Moaz, the deputy head of mission for the Israeli Embassy in Ireland, posted on X, formerly Twitter, that Ireland helped fund the tunnels under the Gaza Strip used primarily by Hamas militants.

The tunnels connect between Egypt and Gaza for smuggling, while Hamas also uses attack tunnels that burrow into Israel.

The since-deleted tweet said: “Ireland wondering who funded those tunnels of terror? A short investigation direction – 1. Find a mirror. 2. Direct it to yourself. 3. Voilà.” 

A spokesperson for the Israeli embassy said that the tweet has since been deleted as it “does not represent the official position of Israel or the Embassy”.

“The tweet was in reference to the ample evidence that Hamas, which controls Gaza, abuses international humanitarian aid that is sent to Gaza,” the spokesperson said.

“However since the text and wording were wrong, it was deleted.” 

Condemnation

The initial tweet was condemned by People Before Profit TD, Gino Kenny, who described it as "outrageous".

Over the weekend, the Israeli ambassador, Dana Erlich, accused President Michael D Higgins of making misinformed comments after he accused Israel of breaking international law.

Ms Erlich said that President Higgins's comments were "inflammatory" and that rejected that Israel was breaking international law.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the President said that he previously 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."