GAA & GPA express ‘deep concern’ over crisis in Gaza & call for ceasefire

THE GAA and the Gaelic Players Association have voiced ‘deep concerns’ over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

A joint-statement issued by Croke Park and the players’ body backed calls for a ceasefire, while also pledging a donation to support relief efforts in the region.

2

2

It comes in the wake of the Government’s decision to formally recognise Palestine as a sovereign and independent state.

Taoiseach Simon Harris stated that ‘a two-state solution is the only way for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security’ on Tuesday.

The GAA/GPA statement reads: “The GAA and the GPA share the deep concerns expressed by many of our members about the ongoing humanitarian crisis and escalating violence in Gaza.

“We support the Irish Government and international community’s calls for an immediate and sustained ceasefire which will allow aid to reach Gaza and for all hostages to be released.

“We will be donating to the Irish Red Cross to support relief work in Gaza.”

Earlier this week, Taoiseach Harris did not rule out pushing for sanctions against Israel following their continued attacks on Rafah where thousands of civilians have been killed.

He said: “Today’s decision by Government represents our conviction that a political path is the only way to break the cycle of dispossession, subjugation, dehumanisation, terrorism and death that has blighted the lives of Israelis and Palestinians for decades.

“Prospects for a lasting peace have never been more in peril and it is imperative we act now, alongside our likeminded partners, to protect the viability of a two-State solution and the equal rights of Palestinians and Israelis to self-determination, peace, security and dignity.”

During his speech in the Dail, Tanaiste Micheal Martin explained why Ireland was moving to recognise the State of Palestine.

He said: “Our recognition of the State of Palestine has three fundamental purposes.

“First, it makes clear our view that it is time Palestine takes its full place amongst the nations of the world; that its right to self-determination, self-governance and territorial integrity and sovereignty must now be vindicated.

“As the UN General Assembly agreed earlier this month, Palestine is ready to take on all the rights and obligations of a State, under the UN Charter.

‘Equal legitimacy’

“Second, it is an expression of our belief in the equal right to self-determination, peace, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

“The aspirations of both peoples must be afforded equal legitimacy, based on a two-State solution that delivers a just and sustainable peace.

“Third, it is a reiteration of our fundamental conviction that the only just and sustainable peaceful solution, for both Palestinians and Israelis, is the implementation of that two-State solution, ending the Israeli occupation of Palestine and resulting in a viable, contiguous Palestinian State in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, based on the 1967 borders.”