I have been clear from the start that any response by Israel to the brutal attacks of 7 October must comply fully with International Humanitarian Law. This means that the response must comply with the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.
I issued statements on 9, 15, 18 of October and 1 November, expressing my deep concern at the situation in Gaza and underlining the need for respect for international humanitarian law.
On 24 October, Ireland made a statement at the United Nations Security Council open debate on the current crisis. We called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and welcomed the initial supply of aid noting that far more was needed. Essential goods including fuel, food, water, medical and energy supplies must urgently be restored. We urgently need an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, and a significant scaling up of humanitarian access and supplies to get vital aid to civilians.
All potential violations of International Humanitarian Law should be investigated. On November 12, I issued a further statement on the investigation by the International Criminal Court into the situation in Palestine. The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan has confirmed that the ICC has jurisdiction in relation to atrocity crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territory.
