Ireland’s PM delivers powerful UN speech on Gaza calling for action and accountability

In a powerful address to the 80th UN General Assembly, Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheal Martin delivered an uncompromising stance on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, directly confronting the internal community with a strong moral challenge: “To do nothing is not neutrality, it is complicity.” 

His speech, delivered in New York, highlights the devastating impacts on civilians around the world and criticizes the effectiveness of international law, expressing a deep concern over the accelerating human rights pushback in recent years. In his address, he framed inaction as a form of complicity, calling for bold action away from what has become expected of the UN’s cautious diplomacy. 

Describing the situation in Gaza as a “catastrophe of the most monumental and consequential kind” Martin’s speech is significant: it carries moral as well as legal and diplomatic weight. The message emphasized accountability on all sides, focusing on the significant and inexcusable scale of human suffering inflicted on Palestinians, while also acknowledging the actions of Hamas. In reaffirming Ireland’s recognition of Palestine, stating “no crime, however heinous can justify genocide,” he condemned Israel’s action in Gaza as genocide adding that starvation is being used as a weapon of war, and vowed for accountability for war crimes.

Ireland has increasingly taken a prominent role in international advocacy for Palestinian rights, which has distinguished itself within the European Union. In the speech, Martin directly called out conflict-complicit nations and urged those providing military support to nations like Israel to reconsider. 

By invoking international law and explicitly linking inaction to complicity, Ireland is challenging other nations to confront their responsibilities. The speech places Ireland firmly as a nation that has no tolerance for conflict or human suffering and is willing to push for justice. Martin’s stance serves as a clear reminder that simply doing nothing is not being neutral, nor is it morally defensible. The speech is a direct call for action and accountability for national leader and for the global community. As Martin suggests “we cannot state that we were not aware.”  

Written by Sabrina Careri, for Ann Dale.

WATCH: Ireland PM's Powerful Speech at UN on Gaza: “To Do Nothing Is Complicity” | AC1G