Statement by the Tánaiste on developments related to the Middle East

Over the last number of days there has been a dangerous and unacceptable escalation of violence in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon.

Hezbollah has long been a malign actor in Lebanon and the region. But the indiscriminate attacks in Lebanon yesterday and today demonstrate a blatant disregard for the lives of innocent civilians. They are also in violation of international humanitarian law.

They risk further escalation in an already tense situation, and increase the risk of a wider conflict in the region. This would be disastrous for everyone.

I call for calm and restraint, and for de-escalation on all sides. It is time for the killing and the bombardment in the Middle East to stop.

We need to see renewed efforts to reach agreement in mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar and the United States to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal. I urge Hamas and Israel to engage positively and flexibly in this process. We also need to see humanitarian access to Gaza at scale.

I remain convinced that implementation of the two-State solution is the only way to establish lasting peace and security for both Israel and Palestine.

I welcome the adoption today by the UN General Assembly of a Resolution setting out the response of the international community to the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice of 19 July 2024.

The findings of the Advisory Opinion is that Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories is unlawful and should be brought to an end as rapidly as possible. The Opinion of the Court largely confirms the Government’s own legal analysis.

Ireland co-sponsored and voted in favour of this Resolution. We, as the international community, must now turn our minds to implementation.

I have already made it clear that the implications of the Advisory Opinion require careful consideration at both national and EU level. This Resolution provides a firm basis for these reflections. I will make this point to my EU counterparts when we meet in New York during UN High Level Week. The European Union must be consistent in upholding the rules-based international order.

I am under no illusions as to the complexity and the challenges that this will entail. We must not shy away from the need to ensure compliance with international law. The occupation must be brought to an end.

I also see no contradiction between supporting this Resolution and Ireland’s efforts, alongside likeminded partners, to promote the implementation of the two-State solution. Indeed, these efforts are intensifying, and will be a central priority for the Government throughout its engagement at UN High Level Week.

Note for Editors

In December 2022, the UN General Assembly requested an Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legal implications of Israeli policies and practices in the OPT. Ireland submitted a written statement in July 2023, and made oral submissions during the course of the hearing before the ICJ in February 2024.

The ICJ issued its Advisory Opinion on 19 July 2024. In its Opinion, the Court concluded that Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful, and that Israel is required to bring to an end its occupation of the OPT “as rapidly as possible”. The Court also concluded that Israel is under an obligation “to cease immediately” all new settlement activities, and evacuate all settlers from the OPT. All other States are under an obligation not to recognise as legal the situation arising from the unlawful presence of Israel in the OPT and not to aid or assist Israel in maintaining that situation.

While the Advisory Opinion is not legally binding as such, it does represent an authoritative statement of international law, which is binding on all States and international organisations, including the UN.

The Resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly today was tabled by Palestine and widely co-sponsored by UN member states, including Ireland. It sets out the implications of the Advisory Opinion for Israel, other states and for international organisations.

ENDS

PRESS OFFICE

18 September 2024