A top United Nations official says Israel's recent air strikes on Gaza may be war crimes.
Meanwhile Ireland's become the first EU country to declare Israeli settlements on Palestinian land as a de facto annexation.
The Irish Government condemns Israeli settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory
Ireland stands with Palestine and will not accept Israel's illegal expansion and demolition of Palestinian homes
I'm proud that we are the first EU country to make this declaration https://t.co/pL7HJIt3es— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) May 27, 2021
UN Estimates Death Toll To Be 242 Palestinians
The violence between Israelis and Palestinians that erupted earlier this month was the worst in years.
According to the UN, 242 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes on Gaza
While rockets launched by Hamas and other Palestinian groups have claimed the lives of 10 Israelis
High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet says the strikes raise serious concerns about Israel's compliance with international law:
"If found to be indiscriminate and disproportionate in their impact on civilians, such attacks may be constituted war crimes."
Tonight’s decision by the Dáil to unanimously support the @sinnfeinireland motion declaring that Israel has illegally annexed Palestinian lands is historic, Ireland is the first country to state that. We need to use that mandate to hold Israel to account for their crimes 🇵🇸✊🏻🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/3bDkjmM5FP
— John Brady TD (@johnbradysf) May 26, 2021
Dáil Passes "De Facto Annexation" Motion
Yesterday the Dáil passed a Sinn Fein motion recognising Israel's settlements on Palestinian land as a de facto annexation.
Ireland is the first EU country to formally say so.
Brian O'hEighertaigh is from the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign:
"It sends a very direly needed message that Israel's blatant annexation of Palestine and Israel's blatant disregard for any kind of human rights protocols have to be challenged."
Ophir Kariv is Israel's ambassador to Ireland:
"We don't accept this position, and again we believe this is un-constructive."
The ambassador also says an amendment defeated last night calling for him to be expelled was motivated by hate.
