'Sanctions now': Dáil suspended after pro-Palestinian group disrupt statements
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The Dáil has been suspended after a group of pro-Palestinian began protesting from the public gallery.
During statements on recognising the State of Palestine a group of around 10 people stood up and loudly interrupted proceedings.
Protesters unfurled banners and began shouting “stop arming Israel” and “sanctions now” before they were removed from Leinster House.
After being ushered out of the public gallery and out of the grounds of Leinster House, the protesters told the PA news agency that while they welcomed recognition of Palestine, they wanted to call on Ireland to place sanctions on Israel.
They also called for the enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill and the Settlements Divestment Bill.
“We are eight months on and the bombs are still dropping,” said Anne Conway, who is involved in the Donnycarney Palestine Solidarity campaign.
“We feel we’re making the voices of the Irish people heard when we did that.
“We do welcome the fact that they’ve recognised Palestinian statehood, it is a welcome thing, but it really won’t make any difference because Israel will not be brought to the negotiating table unless there’s massive sanctions introduced against them. Ireland has the standing to do that in the international community.”
Michelle Hayes of the Teachers For Palestine group said it was “really shameful” that Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin “got up and left” the Dáil chamber immediately after delivering their speeches.
“There are parallels between our struggle, and to see people who we have voted into government, who are representing us, to stand up, make a speech and then walk out in front of a packed gallery of Palestinians, it was shameful. I’m really, really, really so, so disappointed in the Government.”
A number of Palestinians were also watching from the public gallery who were not involved in the brief demonstration.
It comes after the Palestinian flag was flown over Leinster House as the Government says it recognises Palestine as a sovereign and independent state and agreed to establish full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah.
During statements on recognising the State of Palestine a group of around 10 people stood up and loudly interrupted proceedings.
Protesters unfurled banners and began shouting “stop arming Israel” and “sanctions now” before they were removed from Leinster House.
An Ambassador of Ireland to the state of Palestine will be appointed along with a full Embassy of Ireland in Ramallah.
In a statement, the Government said it noted the tragic backdrop to Tuesday’s announcement and again called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages and unhindered access for humanitarian aid.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “This decision of Ireland is about keeping hope alive. It is about believing that a two-state solution is the only way for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security.
“We had wanted to recognise Palestine at the end of a peace process however we have made this move alongside Spain and Norway to keep the miracle of peace alive.
“I again call on Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel to listen to the world and stop the humanitarian catastrophe we are seeing in Gaza.”
Earlier today Mr Harris said recognising Palestine keeps hope alive at a time "when others are sadly trying to bomb it into oblivion".
Speaking on his way into a Cabinet meeting that will sign off on formal recognition of the state of Palestine, Simon Harris strongly hit out at Israel after this week's strike on a refugee camp in Rafah.
"Unfortunately, we now have a new despicable and disgusting trend emerging, where every now and again a particular event of absolute horror seems to take place and the Prime Minister of Israel comes out and describes this as a tragic mistake," he said.
"April's tragic mistake was the bombing to death of aid workers trying to provide food to starving Gazans, May's tragic mistake yesterday was children being blown to death while seeking protection in a displaced person's center. What will June's tragic mistake be? And more importantly, what does the world now intend to do to stop it happening?"
Mr Harris said every lever must now be used to bring about a ceasefire, adding: "Europe could do a lot more".
He called for a review of the EU trade agreement with Israel, which Spain and Ireland has already called for.
Speaking of Ireland's recognition of Palestine, he said: "I think it sends a signal to the world that there are practical actions that you can take as a country to help keep the hope and destination of a two-state solution alive at a time when others are sadly trying to bomb it into oblivion."