Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris both condemned Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza while speaking during the Global Ireland Summit at Dublin Castle on Tuesday, May 6.
"The horrific and unjustified attack by Hamas on Israel on 7 October 2023 has been followed by the brutal waging of war by Israel in Gaza, that has inflicted appalling suffering on Palestinians in Gaza while increasing tensions in an already damaged and fragile region," the Taoiseach said in his wide-ranging address.
"There must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and the resumption of unhindered humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and at an unprecedented scale.
"It has been over 50 days since food, medicines and other essential supplies have not been allowed enter Gaza. Israel’s continuing humanitarian blockade is pushing Gaza closer to a hunger crisis. This must be lifted immediately.
"It is simply wrong, in principle and in law, to inflict hunger and suffering on a civilian population, whatever the circumstances. This behaviour clearly constitutes a war crime.
"It is also wholly unacceptable to contemplate the mass displacement of people in Gaza or to talk of permanent occupation. Not only is it an affront to decency and to international law, history tells us it offers no solution.
"Ireland remains convinced that the implementation of a two-State solution is the only way to establish lasting peace and security for both Israel and Palestine, and the wider region. We will continue to work with international partners to step up our efforts to achieve that goal."
Israel’s continuing humanitarian blockade is pushing Gaza closer to a hunger crisis.
This must be lifted immediately. pic.twitter.com/WeUF8CNt1P
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) May 6, 2025
Speaking earlier during the Summit on Tuesday, the Tanaiste said the conflict in the Middle East remains a priority for him and the Irish Government.
"To be honest, I am deeply appalled and sickened about Israel’s continuing blockade of humanitarian aid entering Gaza," the Tanaiste said.
"We have reports from the World Food Programme that food supplies are running out, with famine now a real risk for many Gazans.
"Colleagues, children are being left starving, and even dying, as we speak.
"We cannot and will not stand idly by and let this happen.
"The failure to move to phase two of the ceasefire and hostage release deal has been devastating for the families involved and for ordinary Palestinians in Gaza.
"So today, I call again for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of all remaining hostages, and the resumption of humanitarian assistance at scale into and throughout Gaza.
"I have condemned Hamas for its actions in Gaza and its terrorist attack on Israel.
"But Ireland and its EU partners have repeatedly urged Israel to comply with its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law.
"I am concerned at reports that Israel may plan to extend its military operations in Gaza and call for restraint.
"Humanitarian agencies, including UNRWA, must be allowed to operate fully.
"And we must resist challenges to UNRWA’s mandate that threaten the integrity of the international system.
"In the West Bank, settlement activity is rising and Israel is conducting its single largest military operation in 20 years, which has resulted in the displacement of at least 40,000 people.
"Our position on the conflict is grounded in a deep commitment to international law.
"We remain convinced that the implementation of the two-State solution is the only way to establish lasting peace and security for both Israel and Palestine, and the wider region.
"We need to get back to a political pathway.
"But first we need the violence to stop."
He added: "I condemn the Houthi missile attack on Israel at the weekend. The Houthis have brought only suffering to the people of Yemen and the region."
We cannot stand by while children are starving and dying.
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) May 6, 2025
The ongoing Israeli blockade is having a devastating impact on the people of Gaza.
The world must do more. pic.twitter.com/oUzG6X2M7n
Both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste were speaking the day after Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu announced 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."
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