Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin spoke at the United Nations General Assembly, expressing concern over the ongoing situation in Palestine. He stated that the international community has "abandoned Palestine" and warned that when the "true horrors committed in Gaza are finally and fully revealed, it will shame the entire world." Martin criticized a peace plan for Gaza proposed last year, saying it had failed to change the reality on the ground for Palestinians. Martin also condemned efforts to make a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine impossible. He referenced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that "there will be no Palestinian state. This place belongs to us," and pointed to the expansion of the E1 settlement in East Jerusalem as an example of this stance. While noting that most countries have opposed the "illegal and violent occupation of Palestinian lands in the West Bank by settlers," Martin emphasized that time was running out. He described the actions of settlers as "almost total impunity" and warned that Palestinian communities face a "supported campaign of displacement and destruction, which resembles ethnic cleansing." In response to Martin's comments, Netanyahu dismissed the violence committed by settlers as the work of "a handful of young delinquents." Martin, however, maintained that the only viable solution to the decades-long conflict is for Israel and Palestine to coexist in peace, security, and dignity. He called on the United States and Iran to return to the negotiating table and urged the international community to support institutions like the United Nations and the International Criminal Court. He reminded the audience of the UN's potential to address global issues such as poverty and security, but noted that the world was not on track in terms of peace, human rights, and development. Martin also addressed other global conflicts, including Russia's war in Ukraine, stating that Russia could end its attacks at any time but has refused to do so. He noted the global consequences of Russia's actions, including rising food and energy prices. He also mentioned the war in Sudan, paid tribute to the end of the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon, and raised concerns about women's rights in Afghanistan and the situation of the LGBTQI+ community. Finally, Martin announced Ireland's candidacy for the Human Rights Council for the term 2027-2029.