Dáil suspended on first day back amid angry Israel exchanges
Picture: Chaney/collins Day Merrion Gareth During Palestinian Back On The Street Protesters First Dáil's
The Dáil was suspended on its first day back amid angry exchanges on the issue of Israel's bombardment of Gaza.
A number of opposition TDs called on the Government to join a genocide case being taken by South Africa against Israel and insisted a debate on the matter must be held.
Taking the case, South Africa told judges at the United Nations’ International Court of Justice that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and pleaded with the court to urgently order Israel to halt its military operation.
Calling for a full Dáil discussion on the matter, Richard Boyd Barrett said 24,000 people have been killed and around 2 million people displaced in Gaza since October.
"Still your Government brings shame on this country by refusing to support South Africa's action for genocide at the International Court of Justice, giving excuse after excuse as to why you can't do it," he told Heather Humphreys during the first Leaders' Questions of the year.
A number of others including Thomas Pringle and Labour leader Ivana Bacik supported the call for a debate on joining the South African case.
Mr Pringle said the Irish people are "way ahead" of the Government in relation to the case.
When Ms Humphreys failed to provide clarity on whether time will be allocated for a debate on Israel's actions in Gaza and the ICJ case, Mr Boyd Barrett rose to his feet stating: "There is a genocide going on."
Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl intervened to urge Mr Boyd Barrett to resume his seat and to "stop making a charade of the place".
However, the PBP-Solidarity TD colleague Paul Murphy insisted that "it makes a charade of the place to continue with business as usual when 250 Palestinians are being killed every single day and you won't."
After further interventions, including from Mick Barry, the Ceann Comhairle suspended the House.