Apology from Paddy Cosgrave

To reiterate what I said last week: I unreservedly condemn Hamas’ evil, disgusting and monstrous October 7 attack. I also call for the unconditional release of all hostages. As a parent, I sympathise deeply with the families of the victims of this appalling act, and mourn for all the innocent lives lost in this and other wars.

I unequivocally support Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself. I unequivocally support a two-state solution.

I understand that what I said, the timing of what I said, and the way it has been presented has caused profound hurt to many. To anyone who was hurt by my words, I apologise deeply. What is needed at this time is compassion, and I did not convey that. My aim is and always has been to strive for peace. Ultimately, I hope with all my heart that this can be achieved.

Like so many figures globally, I also believe that, in defending itself, Israel should adhere to international law and the Geneva Conventions – ie, not commit war crimes. This belief applies equally to any state in any war. No country should breach these laws, even if atrocities were committed against it.

I have always been anti-war and pro-international law. It is precisely at our darkest moments that we must try to uphold the principles that make us civilised.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said last week, alongside America’s regional partners in Qatar: “Israel has both the right and even the obligation to defend its people, and to do everything it can to ensure that what happened last Saturday never happens again. At the same time, the way Israel does this matters. The way any democracy must deal with such a situation matters. And, to that end, we’ve discussed with the Israelis – urged the Israelis – to use every possible precaution to avoid harm to civilians.”

In my comments, I have tried to do exactly the same as Secretary Blinken and so many others globally: urge Israel in its response to the Hamas atrocities not to cross the boundaries of international law.

With regard to Web Summit’s event in Qatar next year, I would highlight Secretary Blinken’s public thanks to Qatar for their support in this crisis, and in wider issues affecting the region: “Qatar has been a very close partner to the United States on a broad range of issues that are crucial to both of our countries and to this region … The United States and Qatar share the goal of preventing this conflict from spreading.”

Like the US government, Web Summit believes in working with regional and global partners – including Qatar – to encourage the dialogue and communication on which peace depends, and to strive for a just and lasting settlement to the underlying questions facing the region. As Secretary Blinken said, “One thing is for sure: we can’t go back to the status quo that allowed this to happen in the first place”.

However, I understand that what I said, the timing of what I said, and the way it has been presented has caused profound hurt to many. To anyone who was hurt by my words, I apologise deeply. What is needed at this time is compassion, and I did not convey that. Web Summit has a long history of partnership with Israel and its tech firms, and I am deeply regretful that those friends were hurt by any of what I said. My aim is and always has been to strive for peace. Ultimately, I hope with all my heart that this can be achieved.