Gaza ceasefire hopes grow as Occupied Territories Bill continues to move through stages
Hopes of a ceasefire in Gaza are tentatively growing and the story makes our front page lead this morning, even as health authorities there
reported that the death toll had passed 57,000
.
Sally Hayden writes from Jerusalem that Hamas was examining new ceasefire offers received from mediators Egypt and Qatar, but repeated that it wants an end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Gideon Saar, the Israeli foreign minister, cited 'positive signs' in the talks to end the war in Gaza and free the hostages, the New York Times reported, though prime minister Binyamin Netanyhu repeated that there would be 'no more Hamas . . . We are not going back to that.'
READ MORE
With US pressure for a ceasefire seemingly increasing, we will likely know more today. Keep an eye on Truth Social. And irishtimes.com, obv.
In few places has Gaza roiled domestic politics as it has in Ireland, with the Government under constant pressure from Opposition and campaigners to take action against Israel. The Government has moved slowly and cautiously on the Occupied Territories Bill – though compared to most other European governments, Dublin has been moving at warp speed.
The Foreign Affairs Committee continued its pre-legislative scrutiny of the Government's new Bill last night, with Senator Frances Black among others urging the inclusion of services in the scope of legislation. The committee is expected to conclude this phase next week and then issue a report – it could yet recommend that services are included, posing a significant conundrum for the Government.
The possible consequences of the bill continue to worry some in Government. Their worries will be heightened by
comments yesterday by an influential US senator
. It's 'blatant anti-semitism,' says foreign relations committee chairman Jim Risch.
*
The row about third level fees rumbles on, with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and Social Democrats acting leader Cian O'Callaghan raising the issue again on Leaders' Questions, where Fianna Fáil deputy leader Jack Chambers – also the Minister for Public Expenditure, so not exactly a disinterested observer in all this – was asked out straight four times if he would say whether students would have to pay €3,000 for the next academic year, or €4,000.
Four times he declined to say
.
Earlier, the Minister for Higher Education James Lawless, whose RTE interview on Sunday kicked the whole thing off, sought to defuse the situation – a little anyway – on Kildare FM. He'll be seeking permanent reductions in the student charge during budget negotiations, he said. But could he say for sure that fees would come down?
He could not
.
*
Souvenir hunters, maybe? A portrait of Michael D Higgins h
as been removed from Belfast City Hall
, apparently on the orders of the new (DUP) Mayor of Belfast Tracy Kelly. Previously President Miggledy was up beside King Charles on the wall (which he would love) but Sinn Féin noticed recently that he had been deposed. Nothing is too petty for Belfast city politics.
*
Mayo for Sam: as talks between the EU and the Trump administration on a trade deal head into their final phase ahead of next week's deadline,
meet the European Commission's trade spokesman
, Mayoman Olof Gill who spent much of his childhood on Clare Island. 'I am proud that we are holding the line for liberal values,' he says.
*
Poll position: Paschal Donohoe is well-placed
to win another term as head honcho of the Eurogroup
, the powerful group of European finance ministers, writes Jack Power.
Best reads
Economic outlook is 'exceptionally uncertain':
inside the Government's trade forum
.
Finn McRedmond on
the necessity for the occasional long lunch
.
Micheal Martin is in Japan, but Irish pubs (and Irish music) got there first: Denis Staunton
reports from a trad session in Tokyo
.
The population of Ireland has grown by a third in 20 years,
according to census reports north and south
.
Playbook
Big Jim O'Callaghan is up for justice questions at the ungodly hour – in parliamentary terms at least – of 8.45 am this morning, followed by agriculture PQs and then the final Leaders' Questions of the week at 12 noon. Government business in the afternoon includes EU rules regarding migrations – safe countries of origin, safe third countries, and a 'recommendation on a coordinated approach to the transition out of temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine.'
There's something similar in the Seanad.
It's a quieter day at the committees today. The Defence Committee will hear from a number of witnesses – including three MEPs – about the proposed abolition of the triple lock. Safe to say the witnesses from the Irish Neutrality League, the Peace and Neutrality Alliance and the Irish Anti-War Movement will not be agitating for jumping into bed with Nato.
Elsewhere the Public Accounts Committee will interrogate officials from Children's Health Ireland and the National Treatment Purchase Fund. There could be skin and hair flyin' at that one alright.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris is heading for the annual Ireland-Wales Forum in Swansea, where he will meet with the First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan. This year's Forum will see the launch of a new Ireland-Wales Shared Statement 2030. Exciting, no?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Times
2 hours ago
- Irish Times
State on course for high end of multibillion EU fines as emissions reductions slow
The decline in Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions has slowed, according to fresh data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data, putting the State's likely compliance costs at the higher end of estimates, Provisional figures released on Friday by the EPA increase the likelihood that legally binding 2030 climate targets will be missed by a large margin after momentum achieved in 2023 was lost. Ireland could have to pay out between €8 billion and €26 billion to its EU partners if it does not step up climate action swiftly, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council said in February. Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions decreased by just 2 per cent in 2024, down from a 6.8 per cent figure the previous year. READ MORE The EPA warned meeting national and EU commitments will be 'extremely challenging'. Ireland's national target is to reduce emissions by 51 per cent in 2030 compared with 2018. In 2024, greenhouse gas emissions were 12 per cent below 2018 levels. Separate EPA projections in May indicated a 23 per cent reduction by decade end. Minister for Energy and Climate Darragh O'Brien told the Oireachtas Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy on Thursday that the latest forecasts showed the country would at best cut emissions by only half the amount required by 2030. But he accepted there was a legal requirement to meet science-based targets and to adhere to carbon budgets, adding he was not 'raising the white flag' yet. 'We have to redouble our efforts to get as close as possible to our 2030 targets,' he added. EPA director general Laura Burke said that although 2024 data is moving in the right direction, 'it is not at the necessary scale and pace'. She added: 'If Ireland is to meet our first carbon budget, a further 10 per cent reduction in emissions is needed in 2025, which will be extremely challenging.' The EPA figures show a reduction of 1.1 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2eq) compared with 2023, with reductions in most sectors – except for heating of homes and buildings. Energy including electricity continues to be the exception, with sustained reductions in line with targets. Transport and agriculture, however, reversed positive 2023 trends with modest declines compared with targets in the Government's climate plan and strict carbon budgets. In total, 54Mt CO2eq were emitted last year – excluding substantial emissions from land use and forestry. Energy industry emissions decreased by 8.9 per cent in 2024 to an all-time low of 7.2 Mt CO2eq. This was due to power generation using renewables (39.6 per cent) and increased imported electricity via interconnectors. It was also the first year that peat was not used in generation. Agriculture emissions decreased by 1.7 per cent (0.3 Mt CO2eq), primarily due to a 2.9 per cent reduction in cattle numbers. In contrast, there was a 10.6 per cent increase in nitrogen fertiliser use. Last year saw the first post-Covid decrease in transport emissions but that was only by 1.2 per cent decline, having increased by 6 per cent in both 2021 and 2022 and by 0.3 per cent in 2023. Industrial emissions decreased by 4.6 per cent due to declines in coal and oil usage. Emissions from buildings (residential, commercial and public) increased by 5.6 per cent due to a colder winter and increased use of fossil fuels. EPA senior manager Dr Tomas Murray said: 'Both agriculture and transport each require significant reductions of 5.6 and 15.5 per cent, respectively, in 2025 to meet reduction targets.' The 51 per cent reduction by 2030 target 'will be unattainable unless every sector meets their reduction target and sectoral ceiling', he added.
Irish Times
2 hours ago
- Irish Times
Harris tells 4th of July party ‘the bombs have to stop' in Gaza
Tánaiste Simon Harris told the new US Ambassador to Ireland that the 'bombs have to stop' in Gaza . Mr Harris, who is also the Minister for Foreign Affairs, was addressing the annual Independence Day celebration at the ambassador's residence in the Phoenix Park in Dublin, Edward Walsh's first public event since presenting his credentials to President Michael D Higgins on Tuesday. The Minister for Foreign Affairs spoke about the 'enduring friendship' between Ireland and the US before mentioning the 'ongoing situation in Gaza'. 'Ireland has always unreservedly condemned Hamas. We stand for the Israeli people's right to live in peace. We call again for the release of all hostages. READ MORE [ Israel steps up deadly bombardment of Gaza, killing at least 90 people, before ceasefire talks Opens in new window ] 'But the bombs have to stop. The killing has to stop. We must have a ceasefire. 'Humanitarian aid must get to the people suffering horrific injuries, starvation and disease. Because the cry of a child is the same in any language. It compels us to provide comfort and protection from harm. 'As human beings in positions of power, we can no longer bear the heartbreaking cries of the children of the Middle East. 'I urge all involved to support and engage in efforts under way to reach agreement on a new ceasefire and hostage release agreement.' Mr Harris told the crowd the US helped bring peace to our island 'by putting its own reputation on the line, and believing in hope instead of history'. 'The Good Friday Agreement taught the world that peace is always possible, that wounds can be healed, and that differences that once seemed insurmountable can be overcome.' Edward S Walsh with Tanaiste Simon Harris. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Mr Harris said, at home and abroad, 'Ireland's message is always the same: We must honour our history by putting our own reputation on the line in the search for peace'. 'Ireland's concerns reflect a heartfelt commitment to humanitarian principles and a belief that lasting peace can only come through justice, accountability, and the protection of all civilian lives.' He said: 'When friends speak candidly to one another, it strengthens rather than weakens their bond.' During his speech, Mr Harris also spoke about the ongoing tariff war between the US and the EU. 'With some of the most important voices in the Irish and US business communities here tonight, let me say again loud and clear – we want and need to see an agreement reached between the EU and the US,' Mr Harris said. 'Ireland has been consistent in our approach; we want to see zero for zero tariffs in as many areas as possible. We want to reach a deal as soon as possible.' Mr Harris spoke after Mr Walsh, so the ambassador didn't have the chance to reply – publicly at least. The men held a private meeting before the event. In his speech, Mr Walsh expressed his 'deep gratitude to my good friend, president Donald Trump, for entrusting me with this role'. Edward S Walsh (left), with Michael Flatley. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA He told the crowd he stood before them 'as a businessman, a family man, and someone who deeply values the ties that bind communities together, from the boardroom to the golf course'. Mr Walsh said he looked forward to 'building lasting relationships, communicating openly and embracing all that brings our people together'. After the speeches, Michael Flatley played a flute solo. People then formed a queue to take photos with Walsh – including Independent TDs Mattie McGrath and Carol Nolan – while a live band, the Controversial All Stars, played You Can Go Your Own Way. About 2,500 guests from the worlds of politics, business, culture, sport, and media attended the event, marking the 249th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. Many TDs, past and present, milled around, but several politicians turned down an invite to the party. Among them was People Before Profit–Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger, who took part in a large Palestine solidarity protest across the road from the residence. Ruth Coppinger described the situation in Gaza as 'US-funded genocide'. Photograph: Órla Ryan Protesters shouted 'shame, shame' and 'you feast while Gaza starves' as guests entered the party. Ms Coppinger was among the protesters. She said, as a TD, she had been invited to the celebration but could not in good conscience attend. 'It's absolutely incredible that such a thing would be organised. The people of Gaza are starving or being killed trying to access food,' she said. Ms Coppinger described the situation in Gaza as 'US-funded genocide'. 'Genocide in Gaza couldn't be happening without the political, and financial support of the United States.' Zak Hania was among the proesters at the Phoenix Park on Thursday evening. Photograph: Órla Ryan Zak Hania , an Irish-Palestinian man who spent months trapped in the Gaza Strip before returning to Ireland last year, was also at the protest. 'The Americans are a huge part in this genocide, and they are contributing to the killing machine of our children and our elderly and our people,' Mr Hania said. 'You are having a huge dinner, and you are inviting a lot of people to eat and enjoy while the blood of our children are on the streets and our people are dying of hunger.'
Irish Times
4 hours ago
- Irish Times
Student accommodation developer challenges decision to rezone land near UCD to open space
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Council's decision to rezone lands owned by a student accommodation developer from residential to open space was done for valid planning reasons, the High Court has been told. The council made the argument in defending an action brought by developer Colbeam Ltd, which is challenging the local authority's 2022-2028 county development plan arising from the rezoning decision. Colbeam has sought to build a 698-bed student accommodation complex at Our Lady's Grove, Goatstown Road, Dublin 14, which is about 850 metres from University College Dublin (UCD). The developer previously secured planning permission from An Coimisiún Pleanála for the development, but this decision was quashed following a separate, successful High Court challenge. READ MORE Colbeam had bought the site in 2017 from the Congregation of the Religious of Jesus and Mary for €13 million. The land – which had been part of a wider campus that includes Our Lady's Grove primary and secondary school – was zoned residential under the council's 2016-2022 county development plan, which was in effect at the time of the purchase, Colbeam has said. But before adopting the 2022-2028 county development plan, councillors adopted motions to rezone Colbeam's land from residential to open space. On Thursday, David Browne SC, for the council, said councillors adopted motions to rezone primarily for planning-based reasons. These included consideration for open space at the Our Lady's Grove campus and concerns about incremental development on that space. Colbeam has argued that councillors had regard for 'irrelevant consideration' in adopting the motions to rezone. But Mr Browne said that if the principal reason for the rezoning decision was a planning one then that was a valid decision. Mr Brown said certain remarks made by councillors in debating the rezoning motions were indicative of 'marginal' considerations in the decision to rezone and should not invalidate the decision. On Wednesday, Neil Steen SC, for Colbeam, had argued that councillors had regard for 'irrelevant consideration' in adopting the motions to rezone. One of these irrelevant considerations arose from purported comments made at the meeting by Fine Gael councillor Barry Saul, one of the members who initially proposed to rezone the land. In advancing the argument to rezone the lands, Cllr Saul referred to 'a failure of moral obligation' on the part of the Congregation of the Religious of Jesus and Mary to maintain a required level of open space on their lands, Mr Steen said. The open space requirement arose from an 'institutional land' designation. Mr Steen said Mr Saul made it explicit that part of his intention in supporting the rezoning was to address this 'failure'. Counsel said moral obligation was an irrelevant consideration in the decision to rezone. Mr Steen said his clients were entitled under legislation to a decision uncontaminated by irrelevant considerations. He said if the court found councillors took an irrelevant consideration into account in making the decision to rezone then the decision should be quashed. Mr Justice David Holland will give his ruling at later date.
