Local TD and Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Matt Carthy, has described the Irish government's refusal to join South Africa in proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice as "unacceptable". Deputy Carthy called on the government to change its position and join the referral to the court under the Genocide convention. He was speaking at a press conference organised by the Irish Palestine Solidarity Committee recently.
Deputy Carthy recalled the willingness of the Irish government to make a referral to the ICJ against Russia in respect of the Ukraine conflict. According to Deputy Carthy, refusing to do so in respect of Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people smacks of the double-standards that have been evident since the war on Gaza began.
"I think South Africa has done humanity a great service by doing that," Deputy Carthy told Northern Sound, "and, I think it's very regrettable that the Irish Government have refused to join South Africa's case at the Court of International Justice. We know that Ireland, for example, made a case to the ICJ in respect of Russia's war in Ukraine and Sinn Féin supported that position but, it smacks of the double standards that have been evident since the latest war in Gaza began; that governments, including Ireland, that have made the referral against Russia have refused to join the case against Israel."
