Sinn Féin’s Imelda Munster broke down in the Dáil as she pleaded with the Government to support South Africa’s case against Israel in the International Court of Justice. 

South Africa has accused Israel of engaging in “nothing short of [the] destruction of Palestinian life”.

Israel’s Ambassador to Ireland has countered that South Africa is “abusing the term ‘genocide’” and the conflict is one of self-defence against Hamas, following the murder of 1,200 Israelis in October.

Today, TDs debated the Motion on Gaza and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and opposition parties were sharply critical of the Government’s decision not to support the South African case.

Deputy Munster said the people of Gaza had been “subject to the most depraved, indiscriminate bombing campaign in modern times”.

She described the IDF’s actions as “war crimes” and said Palestinians deserve the same solidarity as Ukrainians.

“It's been pointed out previously that Ireland was very forthright in its support for the Ukrainian case against Russia at the ICJ in 2022, and rightly so,” Deputy Munster told the chamber.

“So, why do the same rules not apply to Palestine?

“Why the naked hypocrisy, cowardice and meekness from so-called world leaders who choose to look the other way while Israel commits the most evil of war crimes daily?

“Why when South Africa took a stand against Israel did others, including our Government, not follow their example?”

Deputy Munster also appealed to Government ministers to examine their consciences and act.

“I just have to say this,” she said.

“I keep thinking all through this conflict, if I was a minister in Government or a member of Government that was watching this and decided not to act.

“How would I explain that to future generations and even grandchildren?"

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has described South Africa’s case against Israel as “valid” and said the Government will decide on whether to intervene after the main case is filed.

Main image: Imelda Munster.