Unionism’s increasing ties to the genocidal Israeli regime have caused anger in Ireland and abroad.

DUP Minister Paul Givan is expected to fly home from Israel today (Thursday) after a trip to the Middle East paid for by the Israeli government.

The education minister was joined by DUP colleagues Sammy Wilson, David Brooks and Newtownabbey councillor Ben Mallon, former Ulster Unionist leader Steve Aiken and TUV deputy leader Ron McDowell on the ‘fact finding’ junket.

Details of their meetings with Israeli officials have not been revealed. The unionist politicians’ visit came as Israel extended its two-year bombardment of Gaza and as its government faces international condemnation for genocide, apartheid and other crimes against humanity.

As the slaughter was taking place, their journey included a photo-op at a school located within territory illegally occupied by Israel. In a press release issued on Monday by the Department of Education, Mr Givan praised the school for its “inclusive approach that ensures every student feels valued and supported”.

However, not far away, Israel was mounting further devastating attacks on Palestinians. A total of 104 people were killed, including 46 children and 20 women, and more than 250 others were injured in the bombing of shelters at the Nuseirat refugee camp, in central Gaza.

More than 20,000 Palestinian children have already died in the genocide. There are more child amputees in Gaza than anywhere else on earth.

The visit has increased polarisation in the north of Ireland over the Middle East, where loyalists have been seeking to smear nationalists and republicans as “extremists” and “anti-Semites”.

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard said his party was “working to ensure full transparency and to hold minister Paul Givan to account”.

“It is grotesque that an education minister, from any part of the world, would feel it appropriate to be a guest of a regime that places zero value on the lives of children,” he said.

People Before Profit’s Gerry Carroll said the trip was “clearly politically motivated” and is to submit a motion of no confidence in the education minister at the Stormont assembly.

“It is incomprehensible that Paul Givan considers it appropriate to visit a school in the occupied Palestinian territories, while on a blatantly political trip and making use of departmental resources,” he said.

“The minister is lending legitimacy to the apartheid state of Israel and effectively endorsing its violation of international law. He should go.”