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It is abhorrent that Gazans have already been shot dead by Israeli forces just two days after committing to a ceasefire, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “This morning, five people were killed in the Shejaiya neighbourhood of Gaza City – the Israeli Defence Forces couldn’t even go 48 […]

It’s crucial that the government does not become complacent in its support for the Palestinian people now that a ceasefire has been agreed, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “While the announcement of a ceasefire is exceptionally good news, it’s now essential that our focus turns to its preservation […]

The government must urgently intervene to ensure the safety of Irish citizens illegally detained by Israeli forces in international waters, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “Reports today indicate that up to five Irish people, including a member of the Oireachtas, are being held by the IDF after a […]

The Irish Government must do all it can to get detainees from the Sumud flotilla released from prison in Israel, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, a TD for Dublin North West said: “One of my constituents Diarmuid Mac Dubhghlais was abducted illegally by Israel when he was aboard the global Sumud […]

Online footage of Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir mocking illegally detained flotilla campaigners has been slammed by Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “It is disgusting, but hardly surprising, to see such appalling behaviour from Minister Ben-Gvir, who embodies everything that is wrong about this terror state right-wing government – a […]

Was the Tánaiste kept in the dark or did he give partial information to the Dáil?  The Tánaiste must explain why he omitted the main reason visas for a Palestinian GAA club were refused during the summer when answering questions on this issue in the Dáil, according to Social Democrats spokesperson for sport Sinéad Gibney. […]

The government’s inability to clarify when it will enact the Occupied Territories Bill is shameful, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “In response to Social Democrats party leader Holly Cairns during today’s leaders’ questions, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said that the Occupied Territories Bill is considered priority legislation and […]

Growing recognition of Palestinian statehood by the international community, while welcome, must be matched with punitive sanctions to force Israel to end its genocidal campaign in Gaza, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “Following yesterday’s declarations by the UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal, today’s session of the UN General […]

EU member states must be persuaded to back European Commission proposals to partially suspend the bloc’s trade agreement with Israel and impose sanctions on violent settlers and extremist ministers, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson. Senator Stephenson said: “After almost two years of genocide in Gaza, it is incredible that the EU […]

Our national broadcaster has set an example for our European colleagues when it comes to Israel’s involvement in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, according to Social Democrats media spokesperson Sinéad Gibney. Deputy Gibney said: “RTÉ announced today that Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song contest if Israel participates. “I welcome this […]