Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, Micheál Martin said that there "could not be business as usual in the face of genocide" and called "on those who have influence to use it urgently to maximum effect".
In a speech which was interrupted by applause led by the State of Palestine, Martin said that there "must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages, and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid and workers to Gaza".
Those responsible for war crimes must be held accountable — there can be no impunity.
Asked afterwards if he believed that those countries who could do more are now complicit in genocide in Gaza, Martin said that countries need to "step up".
"We all have obligations to adhere to international humanitarian law and ensure that that law is adhered to," he said.
Martin's speech came shortly after Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had told the assembly that “Israel must finish the job in Gaza as fast as possible”.
"This week, the leaders of France, Britain, Australia, Canada, and other countries unconditionally recognised a Palestinian state. They did so after the horrors committed by Hamas on October 7 — horrors praised on that day by nearly 90% of the Palestinian population."
Scores of delegates exited the hall as Netanyahu took to the stage, while attendees in the balcony rose to their feet to give him a standing ovation.
The Irish delegation had not yet been seated, and Martin was in a green room awaiting his speech.
MNA/
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