Press release
Statement by Tánaiste on the situation in Gaza
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
"I am deeply shocked by the high number of casualties following the bombing by Israel yesterday of the Jabalya refugee camp in Gaza. Ireland has made clear on many occasions that Israel’s right to defend itself must be within the parameters of International Humanitarian Law.
"This means that the principles of distinction, necessity, proportionality and precaution must be upheld in the conduct of hostilities and that civilians must be protected.
"UN Secretary General Guterres has been clear that international humanitarian law cannot be applied selectively. The law of war always applies.
"UNRWA said yesterday that more children have been killed in Gaza since 7 October than have been killed in all conflicts globally since 2019. We cannot allow this to continue.
"This has to stop.
"With the unfolding tragedy in Gaza, the European Union has been calling since last week for humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs. We now urgently need a humanitarian ceasefire and a significant scaling up of humanitarian access to get vital supplies to civilians. We cannot wait any longer."