Irish Deputy Prime Minister Micheal Martin spoke out on Monday, expressing strong disapproval of Israel’s decision to stop aid deliveries by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) into northern Gaza.
Martin stated that blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza is “completely unacceptable,” emphasizing the importance of assisting those in need.
He referred to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s stance on the matter, noting that Guterres has described the obstruction of aid as a “moral outrage.” Martin condemned the use of starvation as a tactic in warfare, stating that it violates international humanitarian laws.
The conflict between Israel and Gaza escalated following a cross-border attack by Hamas, resulting in a significant number of casualties on both sides. Israel launched a military offensive in response to the attack, leading to widespread destruction, displacement of civilians, and shortages of essential supplies in Gaza.
The Palestinian casualties include over 32,200 deaths and more than 74,500 injuries, highlighting the severity of the situation. Additionally, the conflict has caused immense damage to infrastructure and has created humanitarian crises throughout the region.
The International Court of Justice has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza and issued an interim ruling in January, ordering Israel to cease genocidal acts and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in the region. This ruling underscores the urgency of assisting those affected by the conflict.
Despite escalating tensions, there are concerns that Israel may launch a ground invasion into Rafah, a city in Gaza, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Efforts are also underway to develop evacuation plans for the approximately 1.5 million Palestinians seeking refuge in Rafah, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention to address the escalating conflict and provide aid to those affected.
