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Israel to close its embassy in Ireland over 'anti-Israel policies'

Israel will close its embassy due to the "extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish Government,” foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar said in a statement on Sunday.

Reacting to the announcement of the closure, Ireland's Prime Minister Simon Harris said in a statement:

"I am deeply disappointed by the Israeli government’s decision to close its embassy in Dublin.

I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel. Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-international law.

Ireland wants a two-state solution and for Israel and Palestine to live in peace and security. Ireland will always speak up for human rights and international law. Nothing will distract from that.

"The continuation of the war in Gaza and the loss of innocent lives is simply unacceptable and contravenes international law. It represents the collective punishment of the Palestinian people in Gaza."

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