Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin used his address at the UN General Assembly in New York to state that the international community has failed Palestine, criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for undermining the two-state solution. Delivering his remarks during the annual gathering of world leaders, Martin called out ongoing civilian suffering in Gaza and described conditions in the occupied West Bank as ethnic cleansing.
Addressing the Crisis in Gaza and the West Bank
During the 81st General Assembly, the Taoiseach welcomed the United States-led peace plan agreed upon in October but emphasized that realities on the ground for Gazans remain unchanged amid continuing Israeli strikes and blocked humanitarian aid. “Civilians continue to suffer. We, the collective international community, have failed Palestine,” Martin told the delegates.
While Martin did not use the word genocide during his remarks—having previously applied the term to the conflict—he directed explicit criticism at Benjamin Netanyahu. He stated that the Israeli prime minister is deliberately attempting to render a two-state solution impossible. Following his statement that the eventual full truth of the situation in Gaza “will shame the world,” the Palestinian delegation led a round of applause in the chamber.
Turning to the West Bank, Martin asserted that Israel’s actions amount to ethnic cleansing, pointing to a settlement expansion reaching unprecedented scale. “Violent settlers continue to act with near-total impunity, while Palestinian communities face a sustained campaign of displacement and destruction – amounting to ethnic cleansing,” he said.
Global Human Rights and Geopolitical Stances
Beyond the Middle East, Martin’s wide-ranging speech addressed multiple international conflicts and human rights concerns. He reaffirmed Ireland’s support for Ukraine against Russia and drew attention to what he termed the “forgotten war” in Sudan. Regarding Lebanon, he stated Ireland’s support and demanded that Iran cease attacks on its neighbors and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Martin also voiced Ireland’s backing for the International Criminal Court (ICC). The court has faced repeated undermining from US President Donald Trump, who characterized the institution as “evil” during his own address earlier in the week.
On women’s and minority rights, the Taoiseach highlighted the severe rollback of freedoms globally, pointing to Afghanistan under the Taliban as the “clearest example.” Earlier in the week, Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee met with education campaigner Malala Yousafzai to discuss the ban on secondary education for girls in Afghanistan. Martin also noted growing threats to the rights and safety of LGBTQI+ people worldwide, pitching Ireland’s candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term.
Conclusion and Diplomatic Itinerary
Martin concluded his address by commending outgoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his leadership over the past decade, specifically highlighting his focus on tackling the climate crisis. The speech marked the final item on the Taoiseach’s itinerary at the General Assembly, and he departed for Ireland on the government jet following the address.
Related reading