Sinn Féin Supports No-Confidence Motion Against DUP Education Minister Paul Givan Following Israel Visit

Sinn Féin has announced its support for a motion of no confidence against Northern Ireland's Education Minister Paul Givan following his controversial visit to Israel, which was facilitated by the Israeli embassy and included a visit to a school in Jerusalem. The motion, proposed by People Before Profit's Gerry Carroll, criticizes Givan for using departmental resources to publicize the trip and accuses him of attempting to whitewash Israel's military actions in Gaza, which have drawn international condemnation. Sinn Féin and other critics argue that Givan's visit was politically motivated and inappropriate, especially amid allegations of genocide and destruction of educational facilities in Gaza. Despite calls for his resignation and protests involving hundreds of people, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson has defended Givan, stating he has every entitlement to visit Israel. Sinn Féin and allied parties are committed to holding Givan accountable, including pressing him to explain his trip before the Education Committee and pursuing all options to remove him from office. The controversy highlights deep political divisions in Northern Ireland over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the use of public office in international political matters.