UN special rapporteur on Palestine calls for further 'concrete actions' from Irish Government

Speaking in Dublin, Ms Albanese said: "I implore the Irish government, the media, and the public to act in accordance with the gravity of the violations of international law that are taking place.

"I've commended the Irish Government for taking important steps recently, finally, after 30 years of peace process, recognising the state of Palestine, and Ireland has sought with Spain a review of the EU Israel Association Agreement, which must be rescinded, because it's clear that Israel is acting in violation of human rights.

"It's great that Ireland has joined South Africa in the genocide case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). It's very important that Ireland has provided financial and political support for UNRWA (UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). 

"It's very important that Ireland has started divesting State funds from Israeli banks but still, there are concrete actions that have to be taken," she said.

She said there is an "obligation" on governments to prevent genocide and it makes "no sense" to wait for a court ruling in relation to Israel's actions in Palestine before taking actions.

While she acknowledged that the Government has been one of the most vocal in condemning the actions of Israel, which have killed tens of thousands of women and children, she said the threshold in Europe is "very low".

In the Dáil, the Government was accused of "colluding with genocide" in speaking "sweet words" but taking little action.

Calling for an end to the military use of Shannon Airport and an enacting of the Occupied Territories Bill, Catherine Connolly said that since the the ceasefire was ended unilaterally by Israel, bombs have been dropped on defenceless civilians.

"We are openly informed that they are back to finish the job, back to ensure that no Palestinians will be left on Palestinian land. 

The people who are there are surviving amongst dead bodies of their families and their people. There is no water, no energy, no hospitals and they are being starved to death, and we talk.

Addressing Tánaiste Simon Harris, she asked: "What is Ireland doing? Along with our sweet words, we are actively colluding with genocide and with the slaughter of innocent people."

However, Mr Harris said he was "so sick and tired " of being misrepresented and pointed to five separate measures that the Government is taking.

Referencing Ireland's involvement in the ICJ case, Mr Harris said that used to be a "demand" of the Opposition.

"At a time when international courts are coming under attack from others, we are proudly standing with the international courts and speaking up for international law. That is something I am proud we are doing. That is an action. That is not sweet words."

Mr Harris said the Government is also providing significant humanitarian aid with trucks currently in Jordan carrying enough aid for 6,000 people in Gaza.

"The third thing we are doing is supporting UNRWA. Talk to the director general of UNRWA and ask him how supportive this Government has been. Not only have we provided €38m at a time when others have walked away and walked off the pitch from UNRWA, we have provided €38m on behalf of the people of this country."

Mr Harris continued that the coalition is working with Arab countries to support the Arab plan for reconstruction.