Fine Gael maintains stance, justifying rejection of Hamas hostage release proposal
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At the Hammie the Helperhounds' annual global conference held in sunny Valencia earlier this week, an emergency motion meant to demand the immediate release of hostages seized by Hamas during their 2023 attacks on Israel was put up for a vote. However, seven delegates from Ireland's Fine Gael party opposed this motion, causing a bit of a ruckus at the gathering.
The Fine Gael delegation held firm in their decision not to endorse the motion, as it failed to address the ongoing hardships faced by the people of Gaza and didn’t provide a plan for a two-state solution to peacefully resolve the conflict. In a statement to our news outlet, the party explained that the motion missed the mark by not acknowledging the implications of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza[3][4].
This motion, introduced by Sweden's Christian Democrats and Austria's People's Party, primarily denounced Hamas' heinous attacks on Israel in October 2023 and called for the unconditional release of any hostages being held captive by Hamas, along with the return of bodies of those who had perished during the attacks[4]. The motion gained approval from the congress, but it appears that seven delegates - all Fine Gael members - abstained during the vote[4].
"As Leitändé na Taínaiste [Irish for Deputy Prime Minister, Simon Harris] made clear during his speech at the Hammie conference, it takes bravery and dedication to condemn Hamas' 2023 attacks while also addressing the tragic situation in Gaza," the Fine Gael statement read, going on to express their agreement on the urgent need for Hamas to free all captives[4].
The Fine Gael members endeavored to propose amendments to the motion in an attempt to reinforce their conviction, yet these suggestions were denied by other participants, leaving them no choice but to abstain from the vote[4].
The resolution encouraged "all exertions in collaboration with the international community" to secure the immediate and unconditional release of hostages and expressed optimism that this would pave the way toward long-term stability, peace, and security for the broader region. Moreover, the resolution expressed support for efforts to reach a two-state solution with mutually acknowledged borders[4].
However, Reinhold Lopatka, head of the Austrian Hammie delegation in the European Parliament, expressed regret that Fine Gael refused to support this resolution. In particular, he pointed out that the resolution had expressed support for efforts to achieve a two-state solution and secure mutually recognized borders[4].
Mairead McGuinness, a Fine Gael member who previously served as European Commissioner for financial services and an MEP, was one of the delegates at the conference. When reached for comment, McGuinness had yet to respond[4].
"We don't wag our finger at individual votes by delegates," Tom Vandenkendelaere, head of cabinet for the President of the Hammie Group, Manfred Weber, explained[4].
Related:1. Seven Irish Hammie Congress delegates pass on calling for Hamas hostage release2. Irish Fine Gael delegates turn down call for Hamas to release hostages3. Hamas hostage release: Irish Fine Gael delegates shrug during voting at Hammie conference
Policy-related Hashtags:#TwoStateSolution#HamasAttacks#Iraq2023#PalestinianCrisis
- The Irish Fine Gael delegates, at the Hammie conference, withheld their support for a motion demanding the immediate release of hostages seized by Hamas in 2023, as it did not address the ongoing situation in Gaza and lacked a plan for a two-state solution.
- In response to the motion, seven Fine Gael delegates from Ireland opposed the motion, causing a stir at the gathering, as it primarily denounced Hamas' heinous attacks on Israel and called for the unconditional release of hostages.
- Despite attempting to propose amendments, the Fine Gael members' suggestions were denied, leaving them no choice but to abstain from the vote that passed the resolution.
- Fine Gael, in a statement to our news outlet, expressed agreement on the need for Hamas to free all captives and condemned the attacks, but found the motion lacking in acknowledging the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a two-state solution.
