Those in Gaza will “be in the thoughts of Irish people” on St Patrick’s Day, President Michael D Higgins has said.
The President released his annual St Patrick’s Day message today, sending “warmest greetings” to “all of our extended Irish family and indeed to all of those interested in Ireland across the world”.
He also noted this year, “attacks on citizens have increased, as in the attack by Hamas last October followed by a reprisal of horrific assault as collective punishment”.
“This year, all of the people in Gaza, ordinary citizens facing the most horrific of circumstances of war and displacement, will be in the thoughts of Irish people,” he said.
“On this special day, it is important to call and pray for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the killing including as it does such a huge proportion of children, a ceasefire which will include too the release of all hostages.”
He noted Ireland has “taken the lead” by increasing aid to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
President Higgins on the Security Council
The President also noted the United Nations Security Council “has been weakened by abuse of the veto”.
“[It is] leading as it has to its failure to respond with appropriate agreed resolutions both to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine two years ago,” he said.
“Now is the time for all those countries of the world who wish to see a world of peace, the building of a sustainable more equal world built on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, to come together and ensure our multilateral system is reformed to make these vital goals a reality.”
'Solidarity, friendship and concern for humanity'
President Higgins also said St Patrick’s life “embodied the values of solidarity, friendship and concern for humanity”.
“Coming to Irish shores as an outsider, an exile, a migrant finding solace and purpose in a foreign land, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience, courage, and wide-ranging contribution of migrants throughout history, of those who seek refuge and shelter,” he said.
“These migrant traits we rightly celebrate in those who have left our shores, including those who have made, and are making, such important contributions to so many causes across the world.”
He noted in particularly “Irish women and men who are directly engaged in peacekeeping and in humanitarian relief around the world”.
