- 13:16Collective pressure on Russia to reach a ceasefire agreement
- 12:44Israeli airstrike kills nine in Gaza amid ceasefire tensions
- 12:11Canada reassesses the purchase of American fighter jets
- 11:09Moroccan film 'Hounds' triumphs at FrancoFilm Festival in Rome
- 10:33Arab League Organizes International Conference to Combat Islamophobia
- 10:10Dortmund: A German-Tunisian Septuagenarian Shot by Police After a Medical Crisis
- 09:37Russian Investments in Morocco: A New Boost for Economic Cooperation
- 09:07Tragedy in North Macedonia: Nightclub fire claims 51 lives
- 08:38US airstrikes in Yemen kill 31 amid rising tensions with Houthis
Follow us on Facebook
Tensions Escalate Israel Closes Embassy in Ireland Amid Gaza Conflict
Israel announced the closure of its embassy in Ireland, citing what its foreign minister described as Ireland’s "extreme anti-Israel policies." The decision marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions, coinciding with the intensification of the Gaza conflict, where the Palestinian death toll has surged to nearly 45,000, according to local health officials.
Deteriorating Relations Over Gaza
The closure follows a series of developments that strained Israel-Ireland relations. In May, Israel recalled its ambassador to Dublin after Ireland, along with Norway, Spain, and Slovenia, recognized a Palestinian state. More recently, Ireland joined South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza—an allegation Israel denies.
Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin expressed concerns about how narrow interpretations of genocide foster impunity, while Prime Minister Simon Harris rejected Israel’s characterization of Ireland’s stance as anti-Israel, affirming it as "pro-peace and pro-international law."
The Gaza Toll
In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate civilian areas. Among recent incidents, strikes hit schools in Khan Younis and Beit Hanoun, killing dozens, including children. In Gaza City, airstrikes targeted homes sheltering displaced families, leaving multiple casualties. Victims’ accounts paint a grim picture of loss and destruction. Yahia al-Yazji, a survivor, described losing his pregnant wife and young daughter in the bombardment.
The conflict has also claimed the life of journalist Ahmed al-Lawh and several civil defense workers. Gaza's civil defense agency, under Hamas governance, was struck during rescue operations. Israel stated that its targets included "terrorist cells" and command centers.
Widespread Humanitarian Crisis
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens daily. Over two million people have been displaced, and hospitals are overwhelmed, lacking essential supplies. International aid agencies have warned of severe shortages, with minimal relief supplies reaching the enclave. Cindy McCain of the World Food Program called for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the urgency of preventing starvation and death.
Historical Context and Outlook
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas and allied militants launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking over 200 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has led to widespread destruction and a mounting civilian death toll in Gaza.
As the conflict rages on, diplomatic disputes like Israel’s closure of its Irish embassy underscore the growing global divide over the war. Calls for a ceasefire and international accountability remain urgent as the humanitarian toll escalates.
Comments (0)