The Immigrant Council of Ireland calls on the Irish government to continue its engagement and efforts at European and international levels to bring sanity and peace to this fraught international catastrophe in Gaza.
The Immigrant Council of Ireland calls on the Irish government to continue its engagement and efforts at European and international levels to bring sanity and peace to this fraught international catastrophe in Gaza.
Like all, we in the Immigrant Council of Ireland have been watching the unfolding situation in Gaza with horror and distress. The attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians and the unfolding plight of Palestinians trapped in Gaza, under near-constant bombardment from the Israeli Defense Forces and cut off from humanitarian aid and vital resources, has created an unmitigated humanitarian disaster. This tense and frightening crisis should focus the minds of the international community on the absolute necessity for the upholding of human rights, international law and simple human compassion in the midst of a terrible situation. A ceasefire must be achieved, the hostages held by Hamas must be released, and the civilian population of Gaza must not suffer any further harm or death as a result of the actions of the Israeli military. When the most innocent among us, children, are dying and suffering in such huge numbers and in such dire conditions, no effort must be spared to bring an end to this tragedy. As has been stated by others, we are of the opinion that the actions of the Israeli government and military since October 7th go far beyond what can be considered legitimate self-defence.
Irish political voices, both in Government and opposition, have spoken strongly and admirably in recent weeks about the need for lifting of the blockade on Gaza for humanitarian resources to be allowed to enter, and for there to be a cessation of hostilities with immediate effect.
We call on the Irish government to continue its engagement and efforts at European and international level to bring sanity and peace to this fraught international catastrophe.
As well as continuing to work to being home the Irish Palestinian individuals and families in Gaza, the Irish government can take additional measures to offer assistance to the Palestinian community both in Ireland and in Gaza by introducing measures to support the safe exit of those in need and addressing the immigration status of Palestinians in Ireland. These include:
· Priorotise the processing of any applications for international protection for Palestinian nationals currently in the Irish system.
· Expeditious processing of any existing statutory family reunification applications under the international protection act and/or pending discretionary visa applications
· Introduce a humanitarian access program, similar to as has been done in the past for Syrian and Afghan communities, to support the transfer of any Palestinians in Gaza or the West Bank who may benefit from the safety Ireland can offer.
· Offer advice and support through Immigration Service Delivery in the Department of Justice to the Palestinian community in Ireland, in partnership with relevant support organsiations and partners.
These actions can go a long way towards offering what limited support we can as a country to those who are caught in the firing line of a violent and devastating international crisis. Ultimately, a cessation of hostilities and the ending of the blockade of Gaza must be all of our immediate and overarching concern.
We in the Immigrant Council of Ireland offer our solidarity and support to those impacted, and call for a renewed commitment to human rights and dignity as the primary driving force behind all international efforts.