Speech by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, T.D. on the occasion of the High Level Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the[...]

Speech by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, T.D. on the occasion of the High Level Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution at the United Nations, Monday 22nd September 2025

• From: Department of the Taoiseach

• Published on: 22 September 2025
• Last updated on: 22 September 2025

Check against delivery

President, co-Chairs,

Can I begin by thanking France and Saudi Arabia for convening us today - I commend them for their leadership on this most vital of issues.

Those of us gathered here know that the only viable option to deliver a peaceful future for Israel and for Palestine is a two-state solution.

At this most critical juncture, we must continue to put our full political weight behind it.

The situation on the ground has rarely looked so bleak - a just and lasting peace seems further away than it ever has.

But, in our own peace process in Northern Ireland, we recognised that, even in the darkest of days, we have a duty as Leaders to keep the flame of hope alive.

The immense suffering of the Palestinian population in Gaza over the past two years has been affront to the world.

It has horrified people around the world, nowhere more than in Ireland, where people have been moved to sorrow and to anger.

What happened to Israel on 7th October was a horrific and brutal attack on an innocent civilian population and Hamas must be held to account for its actions.

But it cannot justify what has happened since,

More than 65,000 people killed - tragically more than 20,000 of them children.

The use of food as a weapon of war, with scarcity becoming hunger, becoming famine.

Hospitals attacked. Schools destroyed. Thousands of years of culture wiped out.

People shot as they desperately seek food for their families.

Doctors, aid workers, journalists targeted and killed.

We have reached a point where what is credibly described as a genocide is being carried out in front of the eyes of the world.

It would be easy to just despair.

But we must not.

Gaza must inspire us to action.

There are still humanitarian workers, medics, journalists determined to do their best for the people of Gaza and of Palestine.

They are doing so with the most extraordinary courage and without regard to their own safety.

To honour them, and the Palestinian people, it is right that we, as political leaders, play our part too.

The only way to end the appalling cycle of violence is to forge a political path.

And the only credible destination is a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security.

I commend those who have taken the decision to recognise the State of Palestine this week, and I strongly urge those who have yet to do so to give it serious consideration.

We know that there are people, including in the Israeli Government, who are working daily to make that outcome impossible.

In addition to the destruction of Gaza, settlements are expanding every day and illegal settlers in the West Bank are increasingly emboldened and aggressive.

If we do not move now to protect the two-state solution if we do not work to build a process through which it can be achieved, there may never be another opportunity.

That must not be our legacy to future generations.

Ireland is ready to play its part, and I look forward to our continuing steadfast co-operation.

Thank You.

ENDS