Caroline Hurley, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary
President Michael D Higgins once again captivates the pulse of the nation and provides guidance to the unelected EU Commission president and the Taoiseach. Both should possess better judgment. We hope that he continues to offer his moral compass to national and world leaders as we face dangerous times with increased terrorism, warmongering, militarization, and threats to Ireland’s neutrality.
Jim Roche, Anti-War Movement, Dublin 1
The President should take his own advice and stay within his constitutional role. I am deeply disgusted by President Higgins’ disrespectful and unprofessional remarks about Ursula von der Leyen. It was appropriate for the European president, who is German, to visit Israel and express unwavering support after the unprovoked terrorist attacks by Hamas. President Higgins has once again overstepped his boundaries and interfered in policy matters beyond his expertise and authority. As he stated himself, “I don’t know where the legitimation for it was and I don’t know where the authority for it is and I don’t think it was helpful. It may not have been meant to have malevolent consequences but certainly we need a better performance.” President Higgins does not speak for Ireland and should reflect on his behavior.
Jason Fitzharris, Swords, Co Dublin
This conflict has the potential to escalate into a larger war in the Middle East. Hamas’ recent genocidal attack on the Jewish community in southern Israel seems to be a deliberate provocation aimed at drawing Israel into a military occupation of Gaza. While the thirst for revenge is understandable, an Israeli invasion could have disastrous consequences. Gaza is densely populated, and any military operation in such a small and narrow space will inevitably lead to the death of innocent civilians. It will also increase recruitment for Hamas and erode international sympathy and support for Israel. Hamas has taken advantage of its embedded position within the local population, using them as human shields. Driven by a fanatical ideology, Hamas prioritizes warfare over the welfare of its own community. Israel must carefully consider its actions in this urban battleground to avoid unnecessary casualties and determine when its mission is accomplished. Additionally, there is a risk of the conflict escalating across the broader Middle East region, fueled by Iran’s proxies and its desire to destroy Israel. The proposed exodus of the civilian population from northern Gaza could also lead to a humanitarian crisis.
George Workman, Donabate, Co Dublin
The mass killing of civilians is abhorrent and deserves the strongest condemnation. The violence in Israel and Palestine has resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent men, women, and children. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic, with overwhelmed hospitals running out of supplies and operating without painkillers. The targeting of hospitals and clinics and the forced evacuations put vulnerable patients at risk. The relentless bombing leaves people trapped without access to basic needs like water, food, shelter, and medicine. The recent attack on Al-Ahli Arab Hospital is particularly unjustifiable and must be condemned.
Isabel Simpson, Executive Director of Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders Ireland
It is time for rugby fans to embrace optimism and resilience as the Irish Rugby team accepts defeat against New Zealand. Let us not lose hope but stand tall, dust ourselves off, and start anew. If we don’t succeed initially, we must persist and try again.
Leo Gormley, Dundalk, Co Louth
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