President Michael D Higgins condemns attacks on aid convoys in Gaza

President Michael D Higgins has condemned attacks on aid convoys bringing vital aid to the people of Gaza.

President Michael D Higgins has condemned attacks on aid convoys bringing vital aid to the people of Gaza saying the incidents must be condemned by all those who believe in humanitarian principles.

"Two incidents on Monday alone demonstrated the appalling circumstances which aid workers are facing," the President said. "In Rafah, a vehicle clearly marked with the United Nations emblem came under fire, killing a UN staff member and injuring others.

On the same day at the Tarqumiya checkpoint west of Hebron in the Occupied West Bank, a convoy was surrounded by a mob with food packages thrown on the road and bags of grain ripped open. These attacks are taking place at a time when people are suffering from starvation."

Mr Higgins said Human Rights Watch today issued a report demonstrating how these are not isolated incidents. 

"In the report, HRW has detailed at least eight strikes carried out on aid workers’ convoys and premises in Gaza since October 2023, even though aid groups had provided their coordinates to the Israeli authorities to ensure their protection," he said.

"These strikes led to at least 31 aid workers and those with them being killed or injured. In total, the United Nations has said that more than 250 aid workers have been killed in Gaza over the course of the conflict."

The President added: "On a matter like this there can be no equivocation, it must be condemned by all those who believe in humanitarian principles. Silence on this matter would reflect badly on any member of the European Union.”