As the horrifying conflict in Gaza continues, James McClean has added his voice to the chorus calling for the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland to be expelled from the country.
Reported figures suggest that over 9,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since the October 7th attack by Hamas led to a prolonged Israeli retaliation.
Gaza has been increasingly isolated during the conflict, with Israel refusing access to the region for observers, while power cuts are regular, and routine airstrikes have levelled the region.
The world watches on in horror, as calls for a ceasefire fall on deaf ears with world leaders, and the violence continues to escalate.
There have been a few notable responses in the sporting world to the ongoing siege, and now Irish footballer James McClean has made his feelings clear on the situation.
READ HERE: Celtic Refute Anti-Semitic Claim As Fans Rally Behind Abada
James McClean calls for sanctions on Israeli ambassador to Ireland
102-times capped Irishman James McClean took to social media this week to call for the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland to be expelled from the country.
In a since-deleted Instagram story, McClean shared a post from political party Sinn Féin which carried a statement from party president Mary Lou McDonald calling for Dana Erlich's expulsion from Ireland.
McClean shared the post and added: "Kick him out!... in fact absolutely volley the prick out!"
It goes without saying but James McClean is a legend
🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/ebXkkp71K4— IrishPropaganda🇮🇪⚽️ (@IrishPropaganda) November 3, 2023
Derry native McClean has been outspoken in the past on political issues, refusing to wear a poppy to mark the Remembrance Day commemorations in the UK, and speaking out against the British monarchy on the occasion of King Charles' coronation in May.
Earlier in the week, he had previously ripped into British prime minister Rishi Sunak for his actions surrounding the conflict in Gaza.
The statement which McClean shared on Friday from Mary Lou McDonald stated that the ongoing crisis in Gaza called for action, and said that the Irish governement "must now take action":
Irish government must use all diplomatic and political options to achieve ceasefire.
The violence and humanitarian crisis in Palestine deepens by the day. The Taoiseach has correctly stated that the Israeli destruction of Gaza is not self-defence. I share his view that Israeli actions are offensive and constitute collective punishment.
The Dáil became one of the first parliaments in the world to call for a ceasefire. It was an important international signal that has since been followed by an overwhelming vote at the UN General Council demanding such a ceasefire. Israel defies these calls for ceasefire. This can not stand.
The International Community and the Irish government must now take action to enforce international law. All available diplomatic, legislative and political options must be deployed by the Irish government to press the case for an end to all military actions and to achieve ceasefires, the immediate relase of all hostages and humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.
The position of the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland is now untenable. The Ambassador should no longer enjoy diplomatic status in Ireland while Israel refuses the imperative for ceasefires and as the suffering and death toll grow.
SEE ALSO: The Éire Takeover: Can We Win The Premier League With Ireland On FC 24?
