Israeli Embassy Closes in Ireland: Its Impact and Implications

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A decision has been made to remove the Israeli embassy in Ireland, following decisions made by the Irish government. The Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar states “Israel will close its embassy in Dublin in light of "the extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government," in response, the Irish taoiseach, Simon Harris took to X to say: “This is a deeply regrettable decision from the Netanyahu government. I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel. Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights, and pro-international law.”  The “extreme anti-Isreal policies of the Irish government” refer to Ireland's decision to join the International Court of Justice petition earlier.

The ICJ suggests that the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territory carried out by Israeli forces should be illegal under international law. It also calls for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli settlers from Palestine. The South African case against Israel at the ICJ accuses Israel of breaching agreements on the Gaza Strip under the Genocide Convention. South Africa pointed this out at the United Nations Court, as the death toll in Gaza continues to increase. 

Some other countries who have joined this case include South Africa, Turkey, Spain, Belgium, and Chile. 

Ireland has been vocal about wanting a ceasefire as its citizens are constantly protesting. Just recently, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheal Mártin gained government approval to get Ireland involved in South Africa’s case against Israel. This is what triggered Saar to state that he would be closing the Israeli Embassy in Ireland. The Irish government also clarified that they are not joining either side. Instead, Martin plans to prioritise the protection of civilian lives and to display a dedication to international justice.  TD Harris stated "Ireland wants a two-state solution and for Israel and Palestine to live in peace and security. Ireland will always speak up for human rights and international law. Nothing will distract from that."

It doesn’t really come as a shock as Ireland has been at the forefront of solidarity with Palestine. On the 28th of May 2024, Ireland formally announced that the Irish government recognises the State of Palestine, furthermore, Its government announced it would appoint an Irish Ambassador to the State of Palestine and place an Irish Embassy in Ramallah. One might wonder what makes the Irish so loyal to the Palestinians and the answer is quite simple, they know what Palestine is going through. Throughout the past, Ireland has suffered through oppression, colonialism, and famine. Before 1921, the Republic of Ireland was once a British colony. The Irish experience under British colonialism has provided its people with so much empathy for the Palestinian people. In fact, Ireland is considered to be one of the most pro-Palestinian nations in the world according to multiple sources.

Current actions taken towards the process of closing down the Israeli Embassy in Ireland include removing the Israeli flag from the building in Ballsbridge. Similarly, The Israeli ambassador in Ireland was removed once Dublin recognised the state of Palestine. Saar has instead put his focus on building strong ties with other countries that support Israel and plans to place Israeli Embassies in Countries that don’t have one. Currently, Saar has stated that an embassy will open in Moldova and is in the process of finding an ambassador. 

Despite the ongoing ignorance of many Western countries, it’s inspiring to see Ireland going against the grain and supporting Palestine against its oppressor. One might hope to see more support from other Western countries as the colonisation and genocide gets worse for our Palestinian brothers and sisters. It is our duty as Muslims to continue to pray for Palestine, to donate and spread awareness as much as we can so that one day, we may see a Free Palestine.

Written by Yussra Benrabah

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