Stormont Education Minister Paul Givan Faces Criticism Over Israel Trip Promotion

Stormont Education Minister Paul Givan has faced significant criticism following a fact-finding trip to Israel, which was officially promoted by his department despite being funded by the Israeli government. The Northern Ireland Teachers' Council (NITC) condemned the visit, highlighting that it took place amid serious allegations against Israel, including accusations of genocide in Gaza and war crimes, which Israel denies. The NITC criticized the use of official governmental platforms to publicize the trip as politically divisive and called for the removal of related social media posts and online content. Political figures, including People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll, have called for motions of no confidence, and Alliance MLA Nick Mathison has demanded answers on the appropriateness of the trip. Givan's visit included meetings at a Jerusalem school and engagements with Israeli officials and victims of Hamas attacks, but the timing and promotion of the trip have raised concerns about neutrality and judgment. The controversy underscores tensions around international conflict perceptions and the role of public officials in politically sensitive engagements.