Taoiseach accuses Israel of 'war crimes' over blockage of aid to Gaza
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has stated Israel's behaviour 'clearly constitutes a war crime' as it continues to block humanitarian aid entering Gaza. The blockade has now been in place for more than 50 days.
It has also announced plans to seize the Gaza Strip and expand its military operation in the area.
Speaking at the Global Ireland summit at Dublin Castle, the Taoiseach condemned Israel and stated that the blockage of aid constituted a war crime.
Mr Martin said: 'The horrific and unjustified attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 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.
'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 fifty 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. Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
'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.'
Speaking outside the summit, Mr Martin said it was a 'breach of international law'.
He continued: 'To conduct a war in that manner, to deprive an entire population of food, of the necessities of life, of basic life, in my view, constitutes a war crime. Israel should desist from this.'
The Taoiseach added that the world is 'looking on appalled" at what is happening in Gaza and the Palestinians have 'suffered enough' and 'far, far too much'.
He also stated that all hostages needed to be released, including those taken by Hamas, noting 'that's a war crime in itself'.
Asked how he expected Israel to respond, Mr Martin said he was 'just calling it as I see it', noting he was 'taken aback again, if one could even be at this stage' at the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
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