DUBLIN ( The COW News Digital) Irish President Michael D. Higgins has called for the expulsion of Israel from the United Nations, accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza. He further urged that all countries supplying weapons to Israel should also face expulsion from the world body for their complicity in what he described as “crimes against humanity.”
Speaking after the release of a damning report by the UN Human Rights Council’s independent experts, President Higgins expressed grave concern over the findings, which confirmed that Israel’s military actions in Gaza amount to genocide.
“We should have no hesitation in ending the membership of Israel and those arming it,” Higgins stated, adding that the international community must end its silence in the face of mass atrocities.
The Irish leader went further, urging Dublin and other governments to sever trade relations with Israel and with states that continue to provide it with weapons. “These are people inflicting unimaginable suffering on fellow human beings in Gaza,” he said.
The statement comes amid escalating violence, as Israel has reportedly deployed tanks and ground troops inside Gaza City, intensifying its months-long offensive. The war has claimed nearly 65,000 lives and left more than 200,000 wounded since October 7, 2023, according to humanitarian organizations.
President Higgins’ remarks align with growing international pressure on Israel. Earlier this week, the European Commission called on EU member states to suspend trade cooperation with Israel and to impose sanctions on its far-right ministers and violent settlers.
Rights advocates say Ireland’s bold position could inspire other countries to take stronger measures against Israel, especially as global outrage mounts over civilian deaths and destruction in Gaza.
The call for expulsion from the UN is among the most severe diplomatic measures proposed against Israel to date. Analysts say it reflects the shifting tone of the international debate, with more states beginning to openly question Israel’s legitimacy in light of alleged war crimes.
The Irish government has historically taken a pro-human-rights stance in international conflicts, and this statement further underscores Dublin’s position as one of the strongest critics of Israeli actions within the European Union.
