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Israel closes embassy in Dublin over anti-Israel policies, journalist killed in Gaza

Jerusalem accuses Ireland of demonisation and double standards. At the centre of the clash are military operations in Gaza and the recognition of the State of Palestine

Israel closes its embassy in Dublin following diplomatic escalation with Ireland. The Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, announced the official closure, accusing the Irish government of ‘extremely anti-Israeli policies’.
Tensions between the two countries increased after Ireland formally recognised the State of Palestine, along with Spain and Norway, in May. On that occasion, Israel recalled its ambassador from Dublin for consultations, but tensions have not subsided. According to Sa’ar, the Irish government’s actions and rhetoric ‘are based on delegitimising and demonising the Jewish state’ and are accompanied by ‘blatant double standards’. The minister stated that Ireland has ‘crossed all red lines’ in its policy towards Israel.

Central to the recent deterioration in relations is also Ireland’s decision to legally intervene in the case brought by South Africa at the International Court of Justice. Ireland has called for an expanded interpretation of the concept of ‘genocide’, with the aim of including Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip within this definition.

The Irish reaction: Ireland for human rights and peace

The reaction of Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris, who called the Israeli decision ‘deplorable’, was not long in coming. Harris wrote on X (formerly Twitter) categorically rejecting accusations that Ireland is anti-Israel. ‘Ireland stands for peace, human rights and respect for international law,’ the prime minister said. Harris reiterated his country’s commitment to seeking a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living in peace and security. ‘Nothing will distract us from upholding human rights and international law,’ Harris added.

Dramatic situation in Gaza: carnage continues, al Jazeera journalist killed

Meanwhile, the situation in the Gaza Strip remains dramatic. The broadcaster al Jazeera reported the death of one of its journalists, cameraman Ahmed al-Louh, who was killed during an Israeli raid on the Nuseirat refugee camp in the centre of the Strip. This episode comes amid unprecedented violence: according to the Gaza Ministry of Health, the death toll since the start of Israeli military operations on 7 October 2023 has exceeded 44,976 dead, with over 106,759 injured.

Israeli military operations in the Strip, which began after Hamas attacks on Israeli territory, continue to cause heavy casualties among the civilian population, exacerbating the already ongoing humanitarian crisis. Calls for a ceasefire are multiplying at the international level, but do not seem, for now, to be heard.

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