Amnesty International Campaigners protested outside the Israeli Embassy today, renaming the street ‘Apartheid Avenue’. 

Protestors placed the street sign opposite the Israeli Embassy in Ballsbridge to “highlight the Israeli government’s system of apartheid that it is inflicting on the Palestinian people”. 

They also placed signs resembling a stop sign reading ‘Stop Arming Israel’ outside the embassies of the USA and Germany. 

Amnesty International Ireland has called on the UN Security Council to immediately impose a “comprehensive arms embargo” on Israel, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups. 

It also calls on an immediate ceasefire between the Israeli military and Hamas and the release of all hostages.

Amnesty has also called for an investigation into possible war crimes. 

A 'Stop Arming Israel' sign placed by Amnesty International Ireland outside the US Embassy, 27/04/2024. Image: Amnesty International Ireland

Amnesty International Ireland Campaigns Officer Kevin Naughton said the “ongoing apartheid regime” by the Israeli Government in Palestine is reflected in “the horrific human rights abuses and mounting evidence of war crimes taking place in Gaza”. 

“The Irish government must call out Israel as committing the crime of apartheid,” he said. 

“The US, Germany and other countries involved in the transfer of arms to Israel must stop providing these arms that are being used to kill innocent civilians. 

“To help end the devastation, we all must use our voices to demand an immediate, permanent ceasefire and an embargo on all arms to Israel, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups.” 

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas

Hamas has said it received Israel's official response to its latest ceasefire proposal. It will study it before submitting its reply. 

Following over six months of war with Israel in Gaza, negotiations remain deadlocked. 

Egypt is currently preparing to host a new round of talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire and hostage release deal. 

Sky News Middle East Correspondent Alistair Bunkall previously told Newstalk Israel and Hamas may be on the “right track” for negotiations. 

“Hamas, let’s remember, has demanded that all Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza,” he said.  

“Israeli said no way, that's not going to happen - but this could be a compromise. 

“But I would say that this time round, it just feels like there is now a bit more of an impetus on the Israeli side.” 

Over 30,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7th.