Simon Harris, the Taoiseach, has expressed his concern as the death toll is predicted to reach an ominous 40,000-mark in Gaza due to continued violence, with the recent Israeli air raid on a shelter-turned-school bringing this unsettling milestone nearer. The strike at the heart of Gaza City resulted in 100 fatalities and injuries to an additional 47 people, according to Health Ministry in Gaza. Mr Harris highlighted the signs of a sustained humanitarian crisis.
The Leader of Fine Gael voiced his particular disquiet over reports from the United Nations indicating a substantial decrease in the quantity of aid reaching Gaza. The average daily supplies have receded from 169 trucks in April to under 80 in June and July. Mr Harris relayed further concerns in connection to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ observation that a mere 24 out of 67 anticipated aid missions into the Northern parts of Gaza had been allowed by Israel throughout this month.
As per the United Nations’ appraisal, since October of the previous year, over 80% of Gaza has been served with displacement directives. When forced out, citizens frequently take refuge in schools. Reports suggest that an alarming 490 schools in Gaza have suffered bombing or inflicted damages since the start of the conflict. Heartbreaking images from al-Taba’een school have surfaced this weekend. Ireland categorically condemns this ghastly, wide-scale loss of civilian lives.
According to Mr Harris, there’s an immediate necessity for a ceasefire and all involved parties need to push forward to achieve this at the earliest. The visible war crimes committed in Gaza have been utterly horrifying and have stirred global outrage. He insisted there must be no exceptions and those accountable must be brought to justice.
The Taoiseach urged unwavering adherence to the International Court of Justice’s orders, including the demand for an end to the unlawful occupation of the Gaza strip. With a high number of innocent lives wasted in the past 10 months, he stressed: “The world is standing at the brink of a horrific event, and yet not all measures to halt the violence are being put into action.
He renewed his appeal for an immediate reassessment of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, pointing out provisions related to human rights in the agreement, and questioned the EU’s lack of action on these terms. “Ireland advocates for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of Israeli hostages, and unhindered passage for aid trucks.” – PA.