Republic of Ireland squad to meet on Israel fixtures amid Gaza controversy

The Republic of Ireland squad will meet on Friday to discuss two Nations League fixtures against Israel, scheduled on neutral ground amid Gaza-war protests.

• Dara O'Shea, captaining in the injured Nathan Collins's absence, said the squad will meet on Friday to discuss how to approach the Israel fixtures.
• More than 160 Irish sportspeople signed an open letter urging the FAI to withdraw from the fixtures over the situation in Gaza.
• Israel's football federation accused head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson of "ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity" after he said Ireland was "playing against genocide".
• Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the Israeli federation's remarks about Hallgrimsson were "unacceptable".
• The two Nations League fixtures against Israel are scheduled for 27 September and 4 October.
• Israel rejected accusations that its actions in Gaza amount to genocide, ahead of the fixtures.
• The two fixtures will be played behind closed doors at neutral venues in Hungary and Serbia.
• The Football Association of Ireland has formally asked UEFA to consider suspending Israel from the competition.
• Amnesty International said Israel's continued participation grants it an international platform while it commits serious violations against Palestinians.
• Heimir Hallgrímsson said Ireland does not play with genocide but against it, in response to the Israeli federation's criticism.
• Micheál Martin, at the UN General Assembly in New York, demanded the Israeli federation withdraw its remarks, citing Gaza's death toll.
• Protesters demonstrated outside the team's hotel ahead of the scheduled fixtures against Israel.