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The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Ireland joins countries calling for immediate Gaza ceasefire & two-state solution amid ‘urgent humanitarian aid' calls
IRELAND has joined 14 countries in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the implementation of a two-state solution. Junior Minister Emer Higgins represented 3 Junior Minister Emer Higgins represented Ireland at an international conference in New York On the back of this meeting, 14 countries including Ireland agreed to send out a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of This would see two democratic states in Israel and The countries that came together to back the statement include: Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia and Spain. Tanaiste READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS The Foreign Affairs Minister said: 'The international community demands an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal and urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza, and is ready to take concrete steps to implement the two-State solution. 'Ireland is doubling down on our commitment to achieve a just, lasting peace where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in peace and security. We will continue to do all in our power to work for that peace.' On October 7, 2023, the Hamas Israel has since bombarded Gaza in a military campaign that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. Most read in The Irish Sun The Israeli Defence Forces have also blocked aid from getting into Gaza which has left people including children to starve to death. The joint statement from the 14 countries agreed at the New York conference makes a series of calls including for a ceasefire, release of hostages and the implementation of a two-state solution. DOUBLING DOWN The Foreign Ministers also expressed grave concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for the United Nations and its aid agencies to be allowed in to help people. The statement adds that the Ministers: 'Have already recognised, have expressed or express the willingness or the positive consideration of our countries to recognise the state of Palestine, as an essential step towards the two-state solution, and invite all countries that have not done so to join this call. 'Urge countries who have not done so yet to establish normal relations with Israel, and to express their willingness to enter into discussions on the regional integration of the state of Israel; 'Express our determination to work on an architecture for the 'day after' in Gaza which guarantees the reconstruction of Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from the Palestinian governance.' 3 The war in Gaza has been ongoing for nearly two years Credit: Getty Images - Getty 3 Tanaiste Simon Harris signed a letter on Ireland's behalf calling for a ceasefire and two-state solution Credit: PA Media, All Rights Reserved
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Major warning for Irish tourists in Spain as beaches turn BROWN from ‘impossible to control' seaweed covering sand
SPAIN'S beautiful holiday beaches are under threat from an invasive seaweed, which has left local officials "completely overwhelmed". Thousands of tonnes of rugulopterix okamurae, a fast-growing invasive seaweed from East Advertisement 2 The seaweed, which is not native to the region, piles up on beaches emitting a foul and rotten odour Credit: Getty Images - Getty Over the last ten years, the Pacific seaweed species has infested areas of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, covering seabeds and releasing waste which floats up to the surface. Ocean currents carry this waste to the coast, where the seaweed piles up on The species has become a significant issue for towns and cities across the coast of Spain. Impacted areas include Ceuta, Murcia, Valencia and Tarifa. Advertisement READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS Experts warn that Juan José Vergara, a professor of biology at the University of Cádiz, spoke with the Guardian about the issue. He said: "It was first spotted 10 years ago in Ceuta, Spain's north African enclave, by a researcher from Málaga university, but the authorities are always too slow to react." He added: "In the first phase of an invasion such as this, it can be controlled. It's like catching cancer early on before it spreads," Advertisement MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN "But now the scale of it makes it impossible to control." The seaweed has already impacted local economies, particularly in areas of tourism. Activities such as windsurfing, swimming, and fishing are becoming increasingly difficult in these regions, as seaweed snags lines, restricts access to the water, and depletes the oxygen fish need to survive. A ROTTEN HOLIDAY The rotting seaweed also makes for an ugly sight and emits a foul odour, deterring beach-goers. Advertisement Many regions have taken to dumping the excess seaweed in landfill sites across the country, at the cost of the taxpayer. Some towns, like Tarifa, however, are unable to afford the removal due to the sheer amount of seaweed buildup. Some businesses have since sought permission from the Spanish government to use the seaweed as This week, the regional government in Andalucía launched its four-part plan to confront the crisis, which included options for recycling the seaweed. Advertisement Vergara, however, said: "I doubt it will be able to eradicate or even significantly diminish the intensity of the invasion when hundreds of thousands of tonnes can wash up on a single beach." 2 The seaweed is affecting local tourism and costing taxpayers money to have it removed Credit: Getty Images - Getty
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Family of Irishman missing abroad fly out to search for ‘needle in a haystack' oil rigger after unsettling phone calls
THE family of a missing Belfast man will travel to France today to begin a search following a number of distressing calls from his phone. Robert Kincaid, 38, has not been heard from or seen since he missed a flight from Advertisement 2 Robert Kincaid disappeared after missing his flight from Paris to Dublin earlier this month Credit: Family Handout Robert, a local of the Tullycarnet area of east He had told friends and family earlier that day that he had missed his flight and was waiting in the However, when they later attempted to contact him via FaceTime, his phone was answered by a man they did not know. Speaking with Advertisement READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS "We tried to contact him around ten o'clock that night on FaceTime, and it was answered by a man who appeared to be in a corrugated hut. "He spoke with broken English and said that the phone was on zero per cent, then it cut off." Even more worryingly, a call that took place the next day was answered by an unknown woman with a baby heard crying in the background. The phone has since been switched off. Advertisement Most read in Irish News Latest According to Louis, Robert has been reported missing to the PSNI, and the family has been in contact with the British embassy in Paris; however, they have yet to receive any news. Louis says they have been unable to get in contact with French However, they do know that Robert is not in any hospitals or medical centres. NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK Desperate for answers, the family is now preparing to fly to France themselves in a last-ditch effort to find him, with Louis set to travel to Paris today to begin searching for his brother directly. Advertisement There, he is expected to meet with British embassy officials who will help him liaise with local police. He said: "We are preparing to fly out for a couple of days on Wednesday to do a mini search. "I know it will be like looking for a needle in a haystack, and I am not sure what we will accomplish, but we have to do something." 2 Robert's family is traveling to Paris this week in an attempt to find the missing 38-year-old Credit: Family Handout Advertisement
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Heartbreaking scenes & ‘heaviness in the air' as grieving mourners line streets for mum & two kids killed in Fermanagh
THE murder of a mother and her two children in Co Fermanagh has shaken the community 'to its core', mourners have heard. A service of removal has taken place in Maguiresbridge for Vanessa Whyte and her children James Rutledge, 14, and Sara Rutledge, 13, ahead of their funeral in Co Clare on Saturday. 4 Locals have shared how mum Vanessa loved her children Sara and James 'fiercely' Credit: Pacemaker Press 4 The family requested that people turned out in bright colours for the removal Credit: Pacemaker Press The three family members died in a shooting incident at a property in Drummeer Road in the Co Agricultural contractor Ian Rutledge, 43, who died on Monday, is understood to be the only suspect in the shooting of his family. Last week, police said a triple murder and attempted suicide was a line of inquiry. Mourners gathered at St Mary's Church in Maguiresbridge on Wednesday morning, with several dressed in bright colours following a request from the READ MORE ON IRISH NEWS Large crowds lined the streets outside the church in advance of the service. Among those who attended the service were Northern Ireland's First Minister Shortly after 11am the three coffins arrived and were brought to the front of the church as the hymn Abide By Me was sung. During the service, a reading was delivered by Elizabeth Armstrong, principal of Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, where Sara and James were pupils. MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN In his homily, Father Raymond Donnelly said people had gathered in a church 'filled with grief'. He added: 'There is a heaviness in the air, a silence within our hearts, that speaks volumes. FRIENDS GRIEVING 'The tragedy we have endured has shaken this community, and our country, to its core. 'We are left shocked, grieving, heartbroken, searching for meaning, grappling with questions too deep for words.' He added: 'The loss of Vanessa and her two beautiful children, James and Sara – lives taken in such an unspeakable way – is more than any heart should bear. 'A woman full of kindness and warmth, a friend to so many here. 'And her children, so young, so vibrant, so full of promise. 'Their laughter rang through school corridors, through playing fields, especially on the GAA pitch, where they thrived with passion and joy. 'That zest for life, their infectious energy, their open smiles. 'Words fail us. And when words fail, we turn to the word of God.' The priest told the grieving family members 'you are not alone'. He added: 'We stand with you. LOCAL SUPPORT 'We hold you in prayer and embrace. We do not have answers, but we offer presence. We offer prayer. We offer love. 'To the classmates of Sara and James and to all the friends, know that it is OK to feel confused, angry, sad and to cry. 'Please speak to someone. Speak to your parents, to your teachers, to your clergy.' Fr Donnelly told mourners that grief is 'not something to carry alone'. He added: 'It is a journey we make together. 'To all involved in sport – to coaches, teammates, mentors – thank you for the joy you helped nurture in these children. 'Their bright spirits will remain a part of every game played in their memory. 'And we take a moment to thank all first responders and medics. Thank you for your service under unimaginable circumstances. 'Thank you to all who have come forward with meals, hugs, tears, prayers, practical and pastoral support or a silent presence. 'You remind us that light still flickers, even on the darkest of days.' Candles were then lit in memory of the three victims. The bodies will be taken to Barefield in Co Clare, where Ms Whyte was originally from, ahead of their funeral Mass on Saturday. The three will then be buried together in Templemaley Cemetery. 4 A funeral service for the three family members will take place on Saturday Credit: Pacemaker Press 4 Fr Donnelly told mourners that grief is 'not something to carry alone' Credit: Pacemaker Press
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
What is synthetic cannabinoid HHC and why has it been classified as illegal drug in Ireland by the Government?
HERE'S everything you need to know about HHC, the synthetic cannabinoid that's been banned by the government. Also known as Hexahydrocannabinol, the Advertisement 3 The substance originally comes from the cannabis plant Credit: Alamy 3 The drug can be sold in e-cigarettes, vapes, jellies, and cakes Credit: Alamy It's a semi-synthetic cannabinoid which comes from the It has joined a list of 13 other substances categorised under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 as a Schedule 1 controlled drug. The 14 substances were identified by the This means that the export, import, possession, production, sale, or supply of the product is banned. Advertisement READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS This is because the substance produces many of the same effects as cannabis, another banned drug in Ireland. The Collapse, withdrawals after frequent use, and a stronger type of intoxication than cannabis are also potential side effects. According to the Department of Advertisement Most read in The Irish Sun The substance was first detected in Ireland in 2022. Since then, it has been sold in the form of e-cigarettes, vape pens, oils, herbal mixtures, and jellies. What do cannabis plants look and smell like? But health bosses told They said: "Researchers in University Hospital Advertisement The National Drug Treatment Recording System estimate that between January 1, 2024 and July 25, 2025, 221 cases were reporting HHC as a main or additional problem drug. And there are concerns that HHC is reaching a younger audience of teenagers. NEGATIVE IMPACT Similar to disposable It's also believed that consistently using the substance can have a negative impact on the user's mental health. Advertisement And Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill welcomed the move. She said: 'The sale of HHC as vapes, in attractive packaging, or in edible jelly form, is a marketing ploy aimed at young people, which masks the fact that this drug is harmful for youth 'HEALTH-LED APPROACH' 'Under the successor national drugs strategy, I'm committed to reviewing legal avenues to respond faster and more effectively to emerging threats from by the volatile drugs market. "In line with our health-led approach to drug use, our priority is to advance measures that enable us to protect and support the health of our population.' Advertisement Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler said: "A recent study showed HHC was involved in a third of first-time psychosis cases at University "This is clear evidence of the serious harm it can cause. "Classifying HHC as a Schedule 1 controlled drug will curtail its availability and reduce its health impact, particularly on the mental health of younger people. "Measures like this are essential to easing the pressure on our mental health services and protecting individuals, especially those unaware of the risks, from avoidable and significant harm." Advertisement 3 HHC has now been labelled an illegal substance in Ireland Credit: Alamy
