Politics

Harris rejects Israeli criticism that he failed to mention hostages in Dáil speech

Taoiseach’s spokesman said Ireland has repeatedly condemned Hamas attack on October 7th

In his first address to the Dail, Taoiseach Simon Harris said, "I want to work every day to improve the lives of all". Video: Oireachtas TV
Harry McGee
Thu Apr 11 2024 - 12:52

The Government has rejected a denunciation of Simon Harris by the Israeli foreign ministry over his first speech to the Dáil as Taoiseach for not specifically mentioning Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

The ministry also expressed “fury” over the intention of the Irish Government to give formal recognition, along with several other EU countries and Norway, to a Palestinian State.

The foreign ministry issued a statement on Thursday in which it contended Mr Harris neglected to mention the Israeli hostages captured by Hamas on October 7th during his maiden speech to the Dáil as Taoiseach.

A spokesman for Mr Harris told The Irish Times on Thursday that the Taoiseach has been even-handed at all times in his response to the conflict, and that included condemning the taking of the hostages and calling for their release.

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“By any fair analysis Ireland has always condemned the atrocity Hamas committed on October 7th and called for hostages to be released. The Taoiseach has repeatedly said it,” said the spokesman.

[ Dana Erlich: Ireland’s planned unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state sends a dangerous signal ]

[ Ireland will soon formally recognise state of Palestine, Tánaiste tells Dáil ]

During a brief reference to Gaza during his maiden speech as Taoiseach on Tuesday, Mr Harris condemned the Hamas attack of October 7th, which resulted in some 1,170 deaths, according to Israeli figures, and also condemned the “disproportionate” military retaliation by Israel, which has resulted in over 33,000 deaths according to the Hamas-run Ministry for Health in Gaza.

Mr Harris said: “In Gaza, we are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe and seeing innocent children, women and men being starved and slaughtered. We have not been silent on the unforgivable terrorist actions of Hamas on 7th October, nor can we be silent on the disproportionate reaction of the Israeli Government. As a country, we will play our part in helping bring about a ceasefire and a lasting peace. Later this week I will travel to Brussels and deliver those messages to Europe on behalf of the Irish people.”

In its statement, the Israeli foreign ministry claimed Harris “forgot” to “mention the 133 Israeli hostages who have been rotting in Hamas tunnels for the past six months”.

It continued: “After the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, there are those in Ireland who persist on being on the wrong side of history.”

The denunciation of Ireland was one of a number made by Israeli in recent days, possibly as a response of an initiative, involving Spain, Ireland, Malta, Belgium, Slovenia and Norway to give formal recognition to a Palestinian State within months.

Israel also issued a statement this week berating Norway for allegedly ignoring the fate of the hostages.

The Taoiseach is currently in Brussels and is expected to raise the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and repeat Ireland’s call for an immediate ceasefire when he meets senior EU leaders. Mr Harris will meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Brussels today.

Harry McGee

Harry McGee

Harry McGee is a Political Correspondent with The Irish Times