Israel has decided to close its embassy in Ireland, citing the country’s “extreme anti-Israel policies” in the wake of the ongoing Gaza conflict. The move marks a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two nations, as Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, condemned Ireland’s stance on the war.
Diplomatic Breakdown Over Gaza Conflict
The decision to close the embassy follows increasing tensions between Israel and Ireland, particularly over Ireland’s vocal criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. In May 2024, Israel had already recalled its ambassador to Dublin after Ireland, alongside other European countries, formally recognized Palestine as a state. This was further escalated when Ireland’s government last week intervened in South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Israel firmly denies these allegations.
According to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, the Irish government’s stance “crossed every red line” in its relations with Israel. In response, Ireland’s Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Micheál Martin argued that Ireland’s position is rooted in concerns over international law and human rights, not anti-Israel sentiment.
Continued Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza
Meanwhile, Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza continue to intensify. On Sunday, new Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza killed at least 30 people, including several children. The Khalil Aweida school in Beit Hanoun was hit, resulting in at least 15 deaths, while strikes in Gaza City killed at least 17 people, including six women and five children.
The Israeli military stated that these strikes targeted “terrorist cells” and meeting points, while Palestinian medical officials reported heavy civilian casualties. In addition to civilians, a Palestinian journalist, Ahmed al-Lawh, was killed in a separate airstrike. The Al Jazeera reporter was struck while working in the Nuseirat refugee camp, along with three civil defense workers.
Escalating Death Toll in Gaza
The death toll from the ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to rise, with Palestinian officials reporting nearly 45,000 deaths as of Sunday. The majority of the casualties are civilians, with many women and children among the dead. This high civilian toll has drawn significant international criticism, especially from human rights organizations concerned about Israel’s military tactics in the densely populated Gaza Strip.
The violence began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas and other militants launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the capture of more than 200 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has since led to widespread devastation in Gaza, with no clear end in sight.
Ireland Rejects Claims of Anti-Israel Stance
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris expressed regret over Israel’s decision to close the embassy, describing it as “deeply regrettable.” He strongly rejected the accusation that Ireland is “anti-Israel,” emphasizing that the country’s policies are pro-peace, pro-human rights, and pro-international law. The closure of the embassy comes as Israel continues to face growing international criticism for its actions in Gaza, with calls for greater accountability from both governments and human rights organizations.
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