TheLittleTwentieth – Renowned Papers Edition, AI Infused

Local sources from Ireland: Irish Independent, Limerick Live.
UK coverage: RTE.ie.

The Irish government has indicated that it will not be referring Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its conduct in the war on Hamas in Gaza. Tánaiste Micheál Martin stated that there is already an active investigation by the ICC into the situation in Palestine. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has called on the government to refer Israel to the ICC, claiming that the Israeli bombardment of Gaza amounts to war crimes. However, Minister Simon Harris argued against expelling the Israeli ambassador, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

The Irish Independent reported that the Irish government has not taken a firm position on the matter. The deputy premier has said Ireland is a “consistent and strong supporter” of the ICC in investigating the Israel-Hamas conflict. The ICC has jurisdiction over “the situation in Palestine” and the prosecutor opened an investigation into Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem in March 2021. The investigation covers all crimes within the jurisdiction of the court, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, alleged to have been committed since the date of referral in 2014.

Limerick Live reported that the ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, has made it clear on a number of occasions over the last month that the investigation covers the current conflict, including all events on and from October 7 this year. Mr Martin said: “Ireland will continue to fully support the ICC in its vitally important work in investigating all the situations before it, whether that be in Ukraine, Darfur, Palestine, Libya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo or elsewhere. All victims, everywhere, are equally deserving of justice and accountability.”

The Irish government’s refusal to refer Israel to the ICC has been met with criticism from Sinn Féin. However, the government has emphasized the need for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, rather than expelling the Israeli ambassador. While the ICC investigation will continue, it remains to be seen what the outcome of this conflict will be.