Sadly, the concerns shared by Taoiseach Simon Harris with President Joe Biden during their recent meeting do not seem to have addressed the core issues relating to the crisis in Gaza. In spite of giving assurances that the Irish public’s concerns were voiced, it’s clear that the critical topic of US arms provision to Israel was skirted (“Harris asserts he clarified Irish stance on Gaza to US leader”, News, 10th October). It’s also likely that the issue of US’s unrestricted political and diplomatic support were also sidestepped by Harris.
This avoidance is regrettable to say the least. Harris has previously criticising the international community for its failure to halt the devastation in Gaza, a criticism he echoed in his recent meeting, justifiably so. Still, the reluctance of many governments, including the Irish, to recognise the significant role of US in this crisis remains deeply upsetting. Joe Biden could have put an end to the Gaza tragedy long ago simply by withholding resources from Israel. The power is in his hands, but he hesitates, to avoid disturbance in wider US strategic interests.
Harris and the Irish government’s unwillingness to directly urge an end to US political and military support to Israel exposes their contribution to the global failure on Gaza. A truly autonomous and fearless Irish foreign policy would insist on a forthright discussion with Biden regarding ammunitions, an immediate shutdown of the US military’s access to Shannon Airport, and necessary sanctions, such as the Occupied Territories Bill, against Israel.
At the moment, serious political turmoil within Sinn Féin has arisen at an inconvenient time for an already unstable party. Meanwhile, Germany grapples with the intricacies of its relationship with Israel amidst continuing violence and suffering. – Yours sincerely, Fintan Lane, Lucan, Co Dublin.