Taoiseach Simon Harris emphasised the importance of establishing the truth concerning reports of Israeli weapons being transported through Ireland’s airspace. This issue was brought to his attention during a press conference at the Irish embassy in Paris, it happened after a bilateral discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron. He informed the media that the Department of Transport was contacting the Israeli airline implicated. He confirmed that the government had not received any applications to grant access for such flights.
“Getting a clear picture of the situation is crucial. I’ve been repeatedly informed that no permission was requested for any such transportation over Ireland’s airspace. After establishing the facts, the Transport Minister and Defence Minister will be responsible for providing an updated report. I plan to stay in close touch with both Ministers.” Harris stated.
Also, Sinn Féin party leader, Mary Lou McDonald, has written to Mr Harris urging him to offer complete responses to news stories implying that in the primary six months of 2024, four Israeli-navigated planes carrying weapons flew across Irish airspace.
According to online media outlet, ‘The Ditch’, nearly 65 tonnes of military equipment had been loaded on three flights. Another article on Tuesday indicated that a fourth Israeli-headed plane had carried 27 arming devices deployed in Arrow 3 missile interceptors. This information was gleaned from documents released by Belgian authorities to an NGO based in Antwerp.
The Department of Transport’s statement on Monday acknowledged the latest media coverage about an alleged civil air operator employing Ireland’s sovereign airspace to transport armaments.
“Authorities are currently verifying the reported data and initiating communication with the airline. This will take more time”, it acknowledged.
Ms McDonald demanded that the Taoiseach clarify the situation.
Israel’s alleged actions of conducting a campaign of genocide against the people in Gaza and purportedly breaching Ireland’s neutrality by infrating its airspace to transport weaponry is strongly condemned. This violation, stated Ms. McDonald, is simply intolerable, particularly if it is linked to the horrific acts in Gaza. She revealed that she had previously written to Mr. Harris about these concerns, but to date, no response has been received.
It’s reported that Mr. Harris discussed the escalating Gaza crisis and the urgency for a ceasefire during a meeting with President Macron at the Élysée Palace. Mr. Harris spoke firmly about Ireland’s clear stance on the Gaza situation. This includes the country’s voting patterns in both the UN and EU, the recognition of Palestine as a state, and calls to reconsider the EU-Israel trade agreement.
Mr. Harris expressed that Ireland has repeatedly shown its support to the people of Gaza and Palestine, through practical measures in addition to sustained diplomatic efforts which persist even as he spoke in Paris. Acknowledging the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, he emphasized the need for urgent cessation of conflict, a call echoed by President Macron.
Mr. Harris stated that pressure needs to be applied by the European Union and the United States to expedite a ceasefire. He shared that President Macron also intends to collaborate intensively with European partners to help actualize a ceasefire, underlining the necessity for a two-state solution and the end of violence in the Middle East. This, he said, would permit aid to freely reach those affected and result in the liberation of all hostages.