Irish influence on US over Gaza helps, but now is time for action

At this time of year, Washington is generally swarming with green social butterflies proudly talking of their links with “the old country” amid the spirit of St Patrick’s Day camaraderie. But Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has had to assume a mission more akin to that of a mosquito in attempting to sting US president Joe Biden into bringing great pressure to bear on Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Gaza’s plight.

A passionate case for doing so was laid out by former president Mary Robinson, who was speaking in her role as chair of “the Elders”.

She appealed to Mr Varadkar to implore the US to end its military and financial support for Israel.

“Stop the arms supply, stop the money,” said Mrs Robinson. And Mr Varadkar was commendably direct in calling on the US to work with Ireland to push for peace in the Middle East.

Deftly evoking the role Washington played in brokering the Good Friday Agreement, he also asked the US to push for peace for Israelis and Palestinians.

To his credit, Mr Biden responded positively, saying Ireland and the US were “working together” to increase humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

He also acknowledged the need for action now, adding: “We both know there’s a lot more that has to be done.

And in case Tel Aviv was in any doubt, the US president said “I agree” in response to Mr Varadkar’s comments on a ceasefire, and again to the twostate solution.

As the world’s remaining superpower, the US has a heightened responsibility to intercede on behalf of the powerless. To stand idly by and allow the mass starvation of a people when aid is so close at hand would be unconscionable.

Clearly, a sea change in US attitudes to unequivocal support for Israel is taking place. This week’s call by US senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, America’s most prominent Jewish politician, for Mr Netanyahu’s hardline government to be replaced speaks to the deep unease at the civilian casualties and the catastrophic humanitarian situation.

Mr Schumer is a close ally of Mr Biden and the most senior Democrat in the US Senate. That he would so urge Washington to use its leverage to force Mr Netanyahu’s ruling coalition to adopt a more moderate course is telling. It may have been fortuitous that this week also marks 100 years of diplomatic relationships between Ireland and the US.

It was not only opportune, but important, for Mr Varadkar to use whatever influence Ireland holds at such a critical time for those without a voice in Gaze,

As a longstanding friend of America, and as a country whose population came close to being destroyed by famine, Ireland’s appeal carries a historical resonance.

Speaking truth to power is valuable, and providing power pays attention it can be transformational.

But fine words must now be followed by fine deeds if Gaza is to get the lifeline it so desperately needs.