Israel’s violations of the incredibly delicate ceasefire agreement in Gaza are war crimes, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson.
Senator Stephenson said:
“Today, Israel asserted that the Gaza ceasefire had ‘resumed’ after the Israeli Defence Forces killed over 100 people in a bombing campaign, including 35 children.
“Ceasefires cannot be paused by an aggressor when they feel like bombing defenceless civilians, and then resumed when it suits them – this is the most egregious of violations of international humanitarian law.
“Israel asserts that the bombing was conducted in retaliation for Hamas’ killing of an IDF soldier – upon hearing of the strikes, US President Donald Trump said that Israel ‘should strike back,’ despite the killing of dozens of innocent civilians.
“The people of Palestine cannot be used as a pin cushion any longer.
“A ceasefire monitor is crucial to establish when and how agreement conditions have been violated, and I believe the Irish government should play a leading role among the international community in establishing this.
“It is a vital measure for ensuring accountability on the ground and re-establishing peace – 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 29th, 2025