Coveney call for inquiry after ‘tragic loss of life’
THE Government hit out yesterday at the dozens of deaths after Israeli troops shot Palestinian protesters.
Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said he was shocked by the violence while President Michael D Higgins added he was deeply concerned by the huge loss of life.
Mr Coveney said: “Over the last weeks, I have repeatedly expressed my dismay at the ongoing deaths of Palestinians in Gaza due to Israel’s use of live ammunition in response to demonstrations.
“I am profoundly shocked that already this morning, dozens more people have been shot dead by Israeli forces. Thousands more have suffered life-changing injuries.
“I am gravely concerned that the use of force seems disproportionate to the reported threat and I reiterate an independent investigation is urgently needed, as called for by the UN Secretary-general.
“It is essential Israeli forces show restraint if this tragic death toll is not to climb even higher.
“In the context of the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem, I call on all leaders to ensure that their statements today promote calm and do not further inflame tensions.” President Higgins, below, said the rising loss of life “is a tragic example of an unacknowledged failure of diplomacy”.
He added: “Now is the time for all of us to give voice to the yearning among our citizens for new thinking on achieving peaceful resolutions to the conflicts which challenge us all.” Christian Aid condemned the loss of life in Gaza, and called for an immediate independent investigation. Sinn Fein’s Sean Crowe described the Simon Coveney killings as “mass murder”. The deputy said: “The brutality of the Israeli army has once again been laid bare for the world to see.
“The demonstrations are also part of weeks-long commemorations for the 70th anniversary of the Nakba and protests calling for the right of return for Palestinian refugees to the areas they were forcibly expelled from in 1948.”
■■THE Lord Mayor of Dublin Micheal Mac Donncha said Ireland should boycott the Eurovision Song Contest when it is held in Israel next year.