‘Forgot’ Hamas attack: Israel-Ireland spar over Irish PM’s first speech condemning war in Gaza

NEW DELHI: Israel foreign ministry issued a harshly worded rebuke of new Ireland Prime Minister Simon Harris, claiming that he referred to the war in Gaza in his first public speech but left out the mention of October 7 Hamas attack.
“Even after the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, and even after the war crimes of the Hamas terrorists, there are those in Ireland who insist on being on the wrong side of history,” said the ministry.

The ministry also claimed that Harris aligns with Irish foreign minister Martin, who plans to provide further support to terrorism by issuing a legal opinion alongside ‘legal arm of Hamas’ South Africa.

Israel’s foreign ministry affirmed that the nation will continue to protect its citizens according to international law and persist in its efforts to secure the release of the 133 Israelis held hostage by Hamas in Gaza for the past six months, as well as to dismantle ‘terrorist organisation Hamas so that October 7th never happens again.’

Ireland rejects snub
The Irish government dismissed criticism from the Israeli foreign ministry regarding Harris’ inaugural speech, saying that the Taoiseach has consistently maintained an impartial stance when addressing the conflict, including denouncing the abduction of the hostages and demanding their release.

According to The Irish Times, Harris’ spokesperson stated, “By any fair analysis Ireland has always condemned the atrocity Hamas committed on October 7th and called for hostages to be released. The Taoiseach has repeatedly said it.”

In his brief remarks about Gaza during his first speech as Taoiseach on Tuesday, Harris reportedly condemned the Hamas attack on October 7th, which claimed approximately 1,170 lives but also denounced Israel’s disproportionate military response, which has resulted in over 33,000 fatalities.
Harris in his speech said, “In Gaza, we are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe and seeing innocent children, women and men being starved and slaughtered. We have not been silent on the unforgivable terrorist actions of Hamas on 7th October, nor can we be silent on the disproportionate reaction of the Israeli Government. As a country, we will play our part in helping bring about a ceasefire and a lasting peace. Later this week I will travel to Brussels and deliver those messages to Europe on behalf of the Irish people.”