‘Clearly a war crime' blasts Micheal Martin over ‘unacceptable' Israel blockade of food and humanitarian aid into Gaza
While
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Of the 59 captives remaining in Gaza, 24 are believed to still be alive.
In a keynote address at the Global Ireland Summit in
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'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.'
Earlier, Tanaiste
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He said: 'I am deeply appalled and sickened about Israel's continuing blockade of humanitarian aid entering Gaza.
'We have reports from the World Food Programme that food supplies are running out, with famine now a real risk for many Gazans.
'WILL NOT STAND IDLY BY'
'Colleagues, children are being left starving, and even dying, as we speak.
'We cannot and will not stand idly by and let this happen.'
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The Taoiseach and Tanaiste's intervention came as Israel's Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, said a victory for Israel in Gaza means that the Palestinian territory will be 'entirely destroyed'.
Hamas has accused Israel of waging a 'hunger war' on Gaza as famine looms.
Thousands of trucks queue along the border of the territory, waiting to be let in. Aid groups report a rise in looting incidents over the last week.
Israel approved a military plan on Sunday involving the 'conquest' of Gaza, where nearly all 2.3 million people have been displaced.
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