Statement by Tánaiste on the situation in Gaza

Despite ceasefire proposals on the table and ongoing negotiations, we have watched this past week a brutal expansion of Israeli military operations in Gaza that has resulted in the deaths of dozens of innocent civilians and the destruction of healthcare, education and humanitarian facilities.

This includes an airstrike on a school in Khan Younis where hundreds of displaced Palestinians had sought shelter.

It is reported that the strike occurred as people gathered to watch children play a football match – a particularly grim detail in a week where millions across Europe have watched football from the safety of their living rooms.

Attacks on humanitarian facilities and locations where civilians are sheltering are abhorrent, and are clear violations of international humanitarian law.

We must have accountability for all civilian deaths and violations of international humanitarian law by all actors in this conflict.

All hostages should be immediately released and unconditional access for independent international investigative mechanisms and bodies must be ensured.

We urge Israel and Hamas to implement immediately the three-phase ceasefire proposal endorsed by the UN Security Council. The bloodshed, destruction and trauma must end.

ENDS

Press Office

12 July 2024