Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2024
8. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what actions he intends to take at the EU and other relevant international fora, on the so-called Flour Massacre where the IDF fired on starving Palestinians, killing 104 and wounding 760 (at time of questioning) such actions in clear breach of the ICJ directive to ‘not kill members of the group’; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10922/24]
View answerI am appalled by the horrible deaths of Palestinians queueing for aid in Gaza city last week.
I join the calls by High Representative Borrell and Secretary General Antonio Guterres, among others, for a credible and impartial investigation to establish the facts. Those responsible must to be held to account.
International humanitarian law is unambiguous on this point; Israel must protect civilians and ensure basic services.The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is man-made and is completely unacceptable. Civilians in Gaza urgently need the fighting to stop and a significant and sustained increase in humanitarian aid. There is a high risk of imminent conflict-induced famine.
The International Criminal Court is actively investigating the situation in Palestine, including possible war crimes or crimes against humanity carried out by any of the parties to the conflict on the territory of Palestine. Ireland fully supports this investigation and has committed additional voluntary funding to the ICC of €3 million to assist its work across all situations, including in relation to Palestine.
We continue to focus diplomatic engagement on the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages and a sustained scale up in humanitarian assistance.
