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 hours without gunning down Palestinians on the streets of their own city.
“Medical organisations in Khan Younis in southern Gaza have now reported that an Israeli drone strike has caused casualties there this afternoon.
“The announcement of a ceasefire after two years of genocide and ethnic cleansing in the region was received with relief and joy from Gazans – now, as we’ve seen so many times before, it appears to have been an empty gesture from Israel, which seemingly cannot refrain from its own barbarity.
“As the pre-eminent United Nations Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese said today, ceasefire for Israel equates to ‘you cease, I fire’ – Benjamin Netanyahu, his government and the IDF cannot be allowed to murder with impunity any longer.
“Ireland has an important role to play at this critical juncture – a ceasefire monitor is crucial for ensuring this incredibly fragile peace is protected, and I believe the government should play a leading role among the international community in establishing this.
“It is a vital measure for maintaining peace and accountability on the ground – I urge the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris to engage with our European Union colleagues and our allies regarding its creation.
“Israel must be held accountable for its barrage of war crimes against the Palestinian people over the last two years, and the countless crimes which came before – the government should immediately progress the Occupied Territories Bill in full as recommended unanimously by the Foreign Affairs committee, including goods and services.”
October 14th, 2025