"Ireland should not play Israel while Gaza genocide continues" - Westmeath TD

A Westmeath TD has said reports that the Ireland-Israel Nations League fixture may be moved from Dublin to a neutral venue do not address the fundamental issue at stake.

Sinn Féin TD for Longford-Westmeath, Sorca Clarke, said moving the game does not resolve the issue.

"The issue is the game itself. These fixtures should not proceed while the genocide in Gaza continues. The call is quite clear: the game should not proceed. The call is not for the game to take place somewhere else.

“Changing the venue of the fixture does not resolve the issue or the reality of what is happening in Gaza."

Referring to a Dáil motion in support of the Stop the Game campaign, Deputy Clarke said "the international community cannot continue with business as usual" as " the people of Gaza endure starvation, bombardment, mass displacement".

“Every day we witness more death, more destruction and more suffering inflicted on Palestinian civilians. Entire families have been wiped out. Children are being killed and maimed. People are queuing for food and aid only to face further violence and danger. The scale of human suffering is almost beyond comprehension.

“Against that backdrop, Ireland should not participate in a sporting fixture against Israel. Sinn Féin’s answer is clear. We do not believe this game should proceed.”

Teachta Clarke said that the Irish Government must stop avoiding the issue and provide clear political leadership.

“The government cannot dodge this question by pointing to UEFA, the FAI or a change of venue. This is a political and moral issue.

“The people of Ireland have consistently stood with the Palestinian people. They expect their Government to act in accordance with the values of human rights, justice and international law.

“Moving the game does not resolve the issue. The issue is the game itself. These fixtures should not proceed while the genocide in Gaza continues.”