ISTANBUL

Irish President Michael D. Higgins described on Saturday the situation in Gaza as being at the "realm of non-accountability."

"We are at the realm of non-accountability," Higgins told RTE News, terming the situation in Gaza as a "tragic period" in the world's history.

He said the world is in an "extraordinary moment" where members of the Israeli cabinet are "interested explicitly in illegality" but "not worried about international law."

"The other thing which is now proposed is, in fact, breaking the link between the West Bank and Gaza. The realm of unaccountability is the most dangerous threat to democracy," Higgins underscored.

He added that the "unaccountable role" of technology also underpins the threat, with the notion that it could escalate into an arms race, "without taking into account the fundamental distinction with humanity itself."

"You can't use the genocide that is taking place (in Gaza) as a distraction from the neglected political issues that have been neglected for so long," he added.

Higgins reminded that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres can invoke powers under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter—a mechanism that allows for enforcement action, including the use of force, without Security Council approval if deemed necessary.

Israel has killed over 62,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023, and the military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister 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 the enclave.