Micheál Martin tells UN Gaza horrors will shame the world

Delivering his address shortly before 8 pm local time on day three of the annual gathering of world leaders, Martin focused heavily on the plight of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. While acknowledging the US-led peace plan agreed upon the previous October, he emphasized that the reality on the ground for Gazans remains unchanged amid ongoing Israeli strikes and blocked humanitarian aid.

Confronting the Reality in Gaza and the West Bank

Martin criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly, accusing him of deliberately undermining the prospect of a two-state solution. Although he refrained from using the term genocide during his remarks, his strongest lines drew a pointed response from the chamber.

“When the full truth of what has happened – what is still happening – in Gaza is finally known, when the evidence is gathered, when the testimonies are heard, when the true horrors are finally and fully revealed, it will shame the world,” Martin told the delegates, receiving a round of applause led by the Palestinian delegation. “Nobody will be able to say that we did not know. Let it not be said that we did not act.”

Turning to the West Bank, the Taoiseach asserted that Israel’s actions amounted to ethnic cleansing. He described the relentless expansion of settlements as reaching an unprecedented scale. Violent settlers continue to act with near-total impunity while Palestinian communities face a sustained campaign of displacement and destruction, according to the Irish leader.

Broad Diplomatic Agenda at the UN

Beyond the Middle East, Martin addressed several other international conflicts and human rights concerns during his 15-minute address. He reaffirmed Ireland’s staunch support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and drew attention to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which he labeled a “forgotten war.”

On regional stability in the Middle East, Martin expressed Ireland’s support for Lebanon and insisted that Iran must cease attacks on its neighbors and stop strikes on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. He also voiced Ireland’s firm support for the International Criminal Court (ICC). The court has faced repeated undermining from United States President Donald Trump, who labeled the judicial body “evil” earlier in the week.

The Taoiseach highlighted the severe rollback of women’s rights globally, pointing to Afghanistan under Taliban rule since 2021 as the clearest example. He noted that girls are barred from secondary education and child marriage has been essentially legalised. This followed discussions earlier in the week where Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee met with education campaigner Malala Yousafzai to address the crisis.

Martin also addressed growing threats to the rights, safety, and dignity of LGBTQI+ people worldwide. He used the platform to pitch Ireland’s bid for election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term, pledging that Dublin would use the seat to defend universal human rights.

Concluding his remarks, Martin thanked outgoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his principled leadership and commitment over the past decade, specifically commending his courage in confronting the climate crisis. Following the address, the Taoiseach departed New York on the government jet to return to Ireland.