Martin has condemned what he described as Israel’s weaponisation of basic life necessities, referring to the country’s restriction on food and aid from entering the strip for almost two months. He told The Europe Conversation that this raises very significant issues for the European Union and the human rights laws which are central to the bloc’s existence.
“In my view, this constitutes a war crime,” the Irish Prime Minister, who belongs to the Fianna Fáil party, said. “And I don’t say that easily.”
He argued that he is in favour of a resolution, and wants the release of the hostages, stating it is “shocking to take people as hostages”. In November 2023, Martin visited a kibbutz where around 10% of the population was attacked during the 7 October attack by Hamas.
“I went to see, first hand, the impact of the horrific Hamas attack on Israel. I’ve condemned it from the outset when I went there to show empathy to people who have been attacked,” he said, adding that the hostages should have been released a long time ago.
He said however that the war waged in response has “lost any moral compass in terms of its unacceptable impact on the civilian population and on children”.
“And in Ireland, there is this sadness now and horror and a sense of helplessness at what we see on our TV screens: young children in stretchers and hospitals, very badly injured. Many families being wiped out, kids being orphaned. From a humanity point of view, it’s beyond comprehension.”
The Taoiseach denounced what he called Israel’s “doubling down” in terms of intensification of the war on the ground. “I know that Israel would say, well, Hamas is in the hospitals and so forth. But children need basic access to medicine,” he said.
‘Hell on Earth’
Martin met with Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Thursday, discussing matters ranging from trade and support for Ukraine to the Middle East. During this meeting, the Taoiseach shared his concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
“I think the president heard clearly my perspective on it. And I think she understands where I’m coming from and where others are coming from,” Martin said.
“I anticipate that there will be a lot of thinking across Europe on this issue.” While he welcomed the European Union’s announcement of the recent €1.6 billion financial support package for Palestinians, Martin noted that, when it comes to a response, he doesn’t believe there is a consensus within the European Union.
“I acknowledge and I understand the different backgrounds of member states, and the historic background that has informed member states’ approach to the Middle East,” he said.
“But there is an unacceptable level of death and destruction and displacement [in Gaza]. And it is, many people have said, going back to 2011, it’s hell on earth.”
He argued that the EU has been quick to communicate its concerns to other countries around the world when they violate territorial integrity, adding that this is fundamental to the European Union and what it stands for.
Israel argued in the past that the restriction of aid is lawful and that Gaza still has enough available provisions.
Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar announced the closure of the Israeli embassy in Dublin in December last year due to what he described as the “extreme anti-Israel policy of the Irish government” which he characterised as “antisemitism”.
Last month, Fine Gael – in coalition with Martin’s Fianna Fáil – confirmed its delegates at the European People’s Party’s Valencia congress refused to put their names to a motion condemning Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel and calling for the release of remaining hostages, and defended the party’s position, as reported.
Euronews has contacted the Israeli embassy in Brussels and the mission of Israel to the EU and NATO for a response.
