Today Amnesty International Ireland welcomed the recalling Seanad Éireann, Ireland’s Upper House of Parliament, to discuss the unfolding tragedy in Gaza and Israel.
Colm O’Gorman, Executive Director, Amnesty International Ireland, said: “If today’s debate is to have a meaningful impact, it must adopt a clear resolution calling on Israel, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups to end this bloody conflict.
“There is compelling evidence that both sides are committing war crimes and appear to be wilfully ignoring international law. The Seanad must be a truthful witness to the atrocities, call out the perpetrators and demand corrective action.
“The time has come for the international community to ensure that those accountable for war crimes are brought to justice. Impunity must end once and for all. Otherwise, while we may see truces and ceasefires in Gaza and Israel, we know that further conflict, bloodshed and atrocities are almost inevitable.”
Amnesty International Ireland urges the Seanad to resolve to work via every available foreign policy, political and persuasive tool to call for:
– An immediate cessation of all attacks by all sides that are indiscriminate and disproportionate i.e. direct attacks on civilians, their homes and other civilian property- The lifting of the blockade of Gaza which amounts to collective punishment of the people
– An immediate arms embargo on Israel, Hamas and armed Palestinian groups- Israel to halt the obstruction of relief for the civilian population of Gaza and allows sufficient medical and fuel supplies into Gaza- Humanitarian workers to be allowed safe passage into Gaza- Provision to be made for the evacuation of the wounded and dead and to facilitate urgent repairs to civilian infrastructure
– The Commission of Inquiry adopted by the UN Human Rights Council on 23 July to have unrestricted access to all relevant areas, the requisite authority to carry out its task and make recommendations to all sides, and the Security Council of the UN to guarantee non-repetition.
– The report resulting from the Commission of Inquiry’s investigation to include a plan for the prosecution of individuals suspected of ordering or carrying out war crimes.
– The Palestinian Authority to accede to the Rome Statute allowing any war crimes committed in the conflict to be prosecuted by the International Criminal Court.