Israel shuts Dublin embassy, Ireland to keep Tel Aviv embassy open

LONDON

Israel on Sunday announced the closure of its embassy in Dublin, a decision for which Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin has voiced regret.

Despite the move, Ireland confirmed it would maintain its diplomatic presence in Israel, with no plans to close its embassy in Tel Aviv.

"I believe firmly in the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels of communication and regret that this decision has been taken," Martin said in a statement on X.

He emphasized that Ireland’s embassy in Israel continues to carry out "important work" and that diplomatic relations between the two nations would persist, even amid disagreements.

Martin reiterated Ireland's stance, grounded in international law, and criticized the continued violence in Gaza.

"The continuation of the war in Gaza and the loss of innocent lives is simply unacceptable and contravenes international law. It represents the collective punishment of the Palestinian people in Gaza," Martin said.

He renewed calls for an immediate cease-fire, the release of hostages, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid to the besieged region.

While acknowledging differing views with Israel, Martin stressed the importance of maintaining open lines of communication, saying: "Ireland and Israel will continue to maintain diplomatic relations. Inherent in that is the right to agree and disagree on fundamental points."

Israel has launched a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip that has killed nearly 45,000 victims, mostly women and children, since a Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023.

The second year of genocide in Gaza has drawn growing international condemnation, with officials and institutions labeling the attacks and the blocking of aid deliveries as a deliberate attempt to destroy a population.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants last month for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense chief Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on Gaza.