President of Ireland Michael D Higgins has released a touching statement following the announcement of the ceasefire in Gaza.
The 83-year-old who is expected to retire by the end of this year has been in office since 2011. He has been vocal in his support for Palestine during the war in Gaza, along with many prominent Irish leaders like Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin, who have condemned the violence and called for a ceasefire.
Yesterday, President Higgins addressed the nation, saying: “The announcement of a ceasefire and hostage release agreement will be welcomed by all those in a region where a war has been causing such suffering for the last 15 months.”
“A huge price in human life has been paid, initially by those in Israel who suffered horrific murder, assault and kidnapping, followed by a response which has led to horrific loss of life and the devastation of the space of those living in Gaza, the majority of the victims of which have been women and children.”
Back in December, Israel announced plans to close the Israeli embassy in Dublin, citing Ireland’s “extreme anti-Israel policy.” The decision came after Ireland announced it would recognize a Palestinian state. Ireland also announced plans to join South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.
Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, accused Ireland of delegitimizing and dehumanizing Israel, and applying double standards in its response to its war against Hamas in Gaza. President Higgins clapped back, saying: “To suggest that because one criticises prime minister Netanyahu one is anti-Semitic is such a gross defamation and slander.”
In his announcement yesterday, President Higgins said: “It is to be hoped that today’s agreement will not only bring an end to the horrific loss of life and destruction which has taken place, but that it will also be the beginning of a meaningful discussion and sustained diplomatic initiative from the international community to bring a lasting peace and security to Israel, Palestine and the greater region – a peace for which so many have hoped for so long.”
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