Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin delivered a strongly worded speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday, September 26, 2025, condemning Israel’s military actions in Gaza while also stressing that Hamas must be held accountable for its crimes and excluded from the future governance of Palestine.
According to a report by The Times of Israel, Martin’s speech came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the General Assembly, defending his country’s military campaign as necessary for its security.
Martin, however, criticized what he called Israel’s “indiscriminate” actions and the resulting humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, saying they represent a breach of international law and basic moral principles.
“What is occurring in Gaza is indefensible and an insult to human dignity and decency. It signifies a complete abandonment of all norms, international rules, and laws,” Martin declared, his words drawing attention from diplomats and human rights organizations present at the session.
He accused Israel of weaponizing humanitarian aid, saying its restrictions have worsened civilian suffering. “Infants are dying of starvation while aid sits unused at the border, and people are being shot while trying to find food for their families,” Martin said, referencing multiple reports of aid trucks being blocked or delayed.
Ireland has been one of the most outspoken critics of Israel’s conduct during the Gaza conflict since it officially recognized the State of Palestine in 2024. Martin’s remarks reinforced Dublin’s stance that military action cannot provide a path to peace and that Israel’s current approach is fueling instability in the region.
At the same time, Martin was careful to highlight Hamas’s culpability in the crisis, insisting that the militant group’s October 7, 2023, attacks on Israeli civilians were acts of terror that cannot be excused.
“Hamas must answer for its crimes and have no role in the future governance of Palestine,” he said, calling for an international framework that holds both sides accountable.
Martin stressed that peace in the region will only be possible when both the security of Israel and the rights of Palestinians are guaranteed.
“We cannot build a sustainable solution on vengeance or collective punishment. Nor can we ignore the fact that Hamas’s actions have endangered Palestinian civilians and prolonged this conflict,” he added.
His dual condemnation of Israel and Hamas was seen by analysts as an attempt to balance Ireland’s humanitarian concerns with the need to address security realities.
While Ireland has often been aligned with Palestinian causes, Martin made it clear that Hamas’s governance is incompatible with peace and democracy in the region.
The Irish leader called for a renewed international push towards a two-state solution, urging the United Nations and key world powers to convene a peace summit aimed at establishing a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel.
He said the international community must work to create a transitional administration for Gaza that excludes Hamas but represents the will of the Palestinian people.
“This is the time for decisive international action,” Martin told the Assembly. “The people of Gaza deserve a future free from both siege and tyranny, and Israelis deserve to live without fear of rocket fire or massacres.” he said.Continue, Full, Reading>>>>
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