Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 January 2024
5. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the activities of the sole remaining animal shelter in Gaza, Sulala Animal Rescue, and its collaboration with Animals Australia; whether he has raised the issue of animal feed reaching the shelter through the Kerem Shalom checkpoint with the Israeli Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4410/24]
View answerI am deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation in Gaza. 100% of people in Gaza are estimated to be acutely food insecure, while a quarter of its population faces catastrophic hunger and starvation. I have no doubt that the shocking situation on the ground also adversely affects the welfare of animals.
I have consistently underlined that we urgently need a massive and sustained scale-up of humanitarian assistance. I further note that, on 26 January, the International Court of Justice ordered provisional measures in the South Africa v Israel case, which, inter alia, ordered Israel take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance in Gaza. The Court’s order if legally binding and final. Israel must urgently implement all measures.
While I am not aware of the situation of animal shelters in Gaza, it is clear that increased movement of goods through the Kerem Shalom checkpoint will be a key enabler in scaling up the level of humanitarian assistance entering Gaza and in ensuring the provision of basic services as ordered by the International Court of Justice. My focus will remain on securing humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.
