Martin appalled by aid convoy killings
TANAISTE Micheal Martin said he is “appalled by the horrible deaths” of at least 112 Palestinians run over or crushed to death when Israeli tanks fired warning shots on an aid convoy.
There has been worldwide condemnation of the IDF’S actions in Gaza that saw hundreds more injured as they waited on food.
Israel has moved to defend the situation, stating that many of the dead were trampled in a chaotic crush for aid in Gaza City and that its troops fired only when they felt endangered by the crowd.
The Health Ministry in Gaza says more than 100 people were killed and at least 700 wounded.
The Palestinian death toll stands at more than 30,000 since the conflict escalated on October 7 following Hamas’ strike on Israel which killed 1,200 people.
In a post on X/twitter, the Tanaiste, who is also Foreign Minister, said the conflict is “unacceptable”.
He added: “Appalled by the horrible deaths of Palestinians queueing for aid in Gaza city.
“International humanitarian law is unambiguous.
“Israel as occupying power must protect civilians and ensure basic services.
“The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is man made and completely unacceptable.”
Elsewhere, the European Commission announced they would continue to fund the
United Nations Relief and Works
Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The Commission was considering whether to continue funding the organisation following allegations that 12 UNRWA workers were involved in the Hamas strike on Israel.
Yesterday, the European Commissioner announced it would continue its donations, with the first package of €50million being paid to the agency next week.
The announcement was welcomed by the Tanaiste, who said: “After four and a half months of relentless violence and displacement, civilians in Gaza are living in conditions that no human being should have to endure.
“Against this backdrop, the role and mandate of UNRWA is more important than ever. It is the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza.
“It is clear UNRWA is the one organisation that has the bandwidth and capacity to provide services and distribute aid across Gaza and the wider region.” UN investigators have yet to receive any evidence from Israel to support the claims of UNRWA members terror links, though they expect some material to be forthcoming
“shortly”.