Irish President Michael D. Higgins described the situation in Gaza as part of the “realm of irresponsibility,” Anadolu Agency reported. In an interview with RTÉ News, he called what is happening a “tragic period” in the history of the world.

“We are in the realm of irresponsibility,” Higgins said, emphasizing that the world is at an “exceptional moment” when members of the Israeli government “openly show an interest in illegitimacy” and “are not concerned with international law.” He also noted that severing the link between the West Bank and Gaza is being discussed, which he called “the most dangerous threat to democracy.”

The president also highlighted the “irresponsible role” of technology, which could push the world toward an arms race “without taking into account the fundamental distinction with humanity.”

“The genocide that is happening in Gaza cannot be used as a convenient cover for the political problems that have been postponed for so long,” Higgins stressed.

He recalled that UN Secretary-General António Guterres has the authority to invoke Article Seven of the organization’s Charter, which allows measures to be taken, including the use of force, even without the approval of the Security Council, if deemed necessary.

Since October 2023, Israel has killed more than 62,000 Palestinians in Gaza, and the military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is on the brink of famine. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the UN International Court of Justice over the war against the Palestinian enclave. | BGNES