Skopje, 12 January 2024 (MIA) - Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, at today's press conference in Skopje, stated that Ireland has been pressing for a ceasefire in Gaza from the very beginning, using their influence at the international level, and that they still hold that position. However, he emphasized the need for being careful about the use of the term genocide.

He responded to a reporter's question about his stance on Israel's defense in front of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In this case, South Africa accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, and the hearings began yesterday. Israel asserted today that the Court lacks grounds to demand a ceasefire.

Varadkar was also asked whether the Irish government would regret not joining this case.

“Ireland is pressing for a ceasefire between Hamas and Israeli forces, exerting pressure for it since the inception of the conflict and using our influence in the United Nations, the United States, and the European Union. We still maintain the position that there should be a ceasefire, but we need to be careful about using the term 'genocide' and accusations of genocide. We are aware that the Jewish population in Europe was subjected to genocide, with a plan to kill all, and we do not want anyone to doubt that it was indeed genocide,” Varadkar said.

He also mentioned the attacks by Hamas on October 7 last year, stating that many people were killed, as he put it, 'because they were Jews or because they are in Israel.' He pointed out that Hamas speaks of the destruction of Israel and said that this points to language suggestive of genocide, emphasizing that there are multiple sides in this conflict.

He added that it might take the Court many years to deliver a judgment in that regard, but it could also serve as a preventive measure against genocide.

"Here, there should be a call from the Court to cease activities that may lead to genocide, but I believe that at the moment, we should allow this matter to be heard, to listen to both sides, and there should be no doubt about the Irish position on this. From the first day, we condemned Hamas' attack on Israel and the taking of hostages. We always believe that this should be proportional, and if Israel has violated international laws, then they should be held accountable for it. I think there are mechanisms through which this can happen," Varadkar said.

What the International Court of Justice can do, according to Varadkar, is to issue an order calling on Israel to take certain actions to prevent the occurrence of genocide.

"In that situation, we will need to have some role and ensure that it happens. There is no mechanism through which it can be implemented, but I think pressure can be exerted at the United Nations to address this," Varadkar said.

Photo: MIA