Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
122. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he believes further action from Ireland is warranted following attacks from Israel on civilians in Rafah; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7598/24]
View answer126. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised his concerns in relation to war crimes being committed by Israel in Rafah with the Israeli ambassador; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7904/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 126 together.
I am deeply concerned by the current situation in Rafah, in the south of the Gaza Strip. As a result of Israeli military actions, almost 1.5 million people are currently sheltering there in dire conditions and there has been widespread, substantive damage to buildings. Further escalation of military activity in Rafah by Israel could cause many more civilian deaths and destruction of vitally needed infrastructure.
This cannot be allowed to happen. All countries, including all Member States of the European Union, must demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, as Ireland has done. I have repeatedly conveyed this message to my counterparts in the EU and to Governments including the United States. I have also urged the Israeli Government to agree to an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. My officials have made the Government’s call for a ceasefire and our concerns about the protection of international law very clear to the Israeli Ambassador.
I will continue to use Ireland’s voice to focus on the Government’s three priorities: an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, unconditional release of all hostages and full, unhindered and safe humanitarian access.
