Israel has announced it will close its embassy in Ireland because of Dublin’s recognition of a Palestinian state and support for South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its actions in Gaza.
The Irish cabinet last week decided to formally intervene in South Africa’s case against Israel at the ICJ, which accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Israel denies the charges.
Israel has not applied similar measures to other countries, including Egypt, Spain, and Mexico, that joined the petition.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s statement on the embassy closure said that “Ireland has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel.”
Meanwhile, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris called the decision to close the embassy “deeply regrettable.” He added on X: “I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel. Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-international law.”
Current situation in Palestine
The announcement came as the death toll of Palestinians in Gaza approached 45,000.
Israeli forces continued Sunday to pound largely isolated northern Gaza.
One airstrike hit the Khalil Aweida School in the town of Beit Hanoun and killed at least 15 people, according to nearby Kamal Adwan Hospital, where casualties were taken.
The dead included two parents and their daughter, as well as a father and his son, the hospital said.
