Ireland's Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence issued a statement today, Monday, May 5, after Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a "forceful operation in Gaza."
"The reports of a planned extension of military operations by Israeli forces in Gaza are alarming," the Tánaiste said on Monday.
"Such a move would result in further deaths, casualties and untold suffering for the Palestinian population who already face a dire humanitarian situation.
"I strongly urge the Israeli authorities to exercise restraint.
"What is happening to the people of Gaza is despicable and unconscionable.
"This is a humanitarian catastrophe.
"We need to see an immediate cessation of hostilities, release of remaining hostages and the resumption of humanitarian aid at scale into Gaza.”
The reports of a planned extension of military operations by Israeli forces in Gaza are alarming.
Such a move would result in further deaths, casualties and untold suffering for the Palestinian population who already face a dire humanitarian situation. pic.twitter.com/HlBOp9eds4
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) May 5, 2025
The Tánaiste's statement comes after Prime Minister Netanyahu announced on Monday that the Israeli cabinet had decided on a "forceful operation in Gaza," according to Haaretz.
Netanyahu said the operation was "the recommendation of the Chief of Staff, to destroy Hamas. And along the way, he thinks it will help us rescue the hostages, and I agree with him."
Haaretz reports that Netanyahu said in a video uploaded to X on Monday that Gaza's population "will be moved, to protect it."
The Prime Minister added that whatever territory the Israeli forces seize will not be ceded later on, Haaretz noted.
"[Israeli forces] won't enter and then pull out," he said, according to Haaretz, "we're not there, that's not the goal. The goal is the opposite."
The Associated Press noted on Monday that details of the plan were not formally announced, and its exact timing and implementation were not clear.
However, a defense official told the AP that the new plan would not begin until after US President Donald Trump wraps up his planned visit to the Middle East this month.
The Tánaiste's statement on Monday comes just three days after he called on Israel to immediately lift its blockade on Gaza.
"Ireland calls on Israel to immediately lift the blockade and allow for unimpeded access of humanitarian aid," the Tánaiste said on Friday.
"The resumption of hostilities has been disastrous. I urge all parties to return to talks to ensure an immediate ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages.
"The international community must act now to avert further disaster."
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