Taoiseach Micheál Martin has labeled the remarks made by Israel’s defence minister, suggesting that nations such as “Spain, Ireland, Norway and others” are “legally obligated” to accept Palestinians, as provocative.
Israel Katz issued these comments while directing the Israeli army to devise a plan for the “voluntary departure” of individuals from Gaza.
This order came in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s declaration that the United States intends to assume control of Gaza, relocate the Palestinians residing there, and transform the area into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
Mr. Katz stated that it should be the countries opposing Israel’s military actions in Gaza that should accommodate Palestinians.
“Their hypocrisy will be revealed if they decline.”
“In contrast, countries like Canada, with a structured immigration system, have previously indicated their readiness to accept residents from Gaza.”
A spokesperson for Mr. Martin remarked that “the Palestinian people have a right to their own homeland,” asserting that “the two-state solution is the only feasible resolution” and that cooperation is required from all parties “to assist the Palestinians and Israeli people in living together peacefully.”
“I believe the Defence Minister’s remarks were provocative, and the focus should be on ending the war in Gaza, implementing the second phase of the ceasefire, and ensuring the release of all remaining hostages,” the spokesperson stated.
Katz’s comments deemed ‘a distraction’
A spokesperson for Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris emphasized that Ireland and the international community must prioritize “the sustainability of the ceasefire, the release of hostages, a significant increase in humanitarian aid, the reconstruction of Gaza, and a political process that achieves a two-state solution.”
“The goal must be for the people of Palestine to return safely to their homeland, and any contrary remarks are unhelpful and merely serve as a distraction,” the spokesperson added.
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Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares dismissed Mr. Katz’s suggestion that Spain should accept displaced Palestinians from Gaza.
“The land of Gazans is Gaza, and Gaza must be integral to the future Palestinian state,” Mr. Albares stated during an interview with the Spanish radio station RNE.
Mr. Katz’s plan will provide options for exit through land borders, alongside special provisions for departure by sea and air.
He expressed support for President Trump’s “bold initiative,” which “could create extensive opportunities for those in Gaza wishing to leave, facilitate their resettlement in host countries, and back long-term reconstruction efforts in a demilitarized, secure Gaza after Hamas—an endeavor that will require many years.”
President Trump’s administration seemed to retract after his proposal to “take over” Gaza provoked backlash.
Mr. Trump’s Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated any relocation of Gazans would be temporary, while the White House clarified there was no commitment to deploying US soldiers.
However, Mr. Trump maintained that “everyone loves” the plan, which he presented to audible gasps during a press conference at the White House with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a separate development, Israel has notified the United Nations Human Rights Council of its decision to follow the United States in withdrawing its participation, as stated by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.
“The decision came in light of the ongoing and relentless institutional bias against Israel within the Human Rights Council, which has endured since its establishment in 2006,” he stated in a letter to UNHRC President Jorg Lauber, which he shared on X.
Additional reporting by Mícheál Lehane, Carole Coleman.
