World leaders including Taoiseach vow 'not be silent' on Gaza

Displaced Palestinians fleeing Beit Lahia amid ongoing Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip arrive in Jabalia, northern Gaza, on Friday. Picture: Jehad Alshrafi/AP

The Taoiseach has joined six other world leaders in vowing "not be silent in front of the man-made humanitarian catastrophe that is taking place before our eyes in Gaza."

Calling on the Israeli government to "immediately reverse" its policy of blocking aid and its plans for further military operations in Gaza, the heads of state have also condemned the "further escalation" in settler violence in the West Bank.

"We must assume the responsibility to stop this devastation," said a joint statement on Palestine, signed by Micheál Martin, the prime ministers of Iceland, Malta, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia, and the Spanish prime minister.

We will not be silent in front of the man-made humanitarian catastrophe that is taking place before our eyes in Gaza. More than 50,000 men, women, and children have lost their lives.  Many more could starve to death in the coming days and weeks unless immediate action is taken.

The statement adds: "We call upon the government of Israel to immediately reverse its current policy, refrain from further military operations, and fully lift the blockade, ensuring safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian aid to be distributed throughout the Gaza strip by international humanitarian actors and according to humanitarian principles."

The joint letter calls on all parties to immediately engage in negotiations on a ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

"This is the basis upon which we can build a sustainable, just, and comprehensive peace, based on the implementation of the two-state solution. 

"We will continue to support the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, and work within the framework of the United Nations and with other actors, like the Arab League and Arab and Islamic States, to move forward to achieve a peaceful and sustainable solution. 

"Only peace can bring security for Palestinians, Israelis and the region, and only respect for international law can secure lasting peace.

"We also condemn the further escalation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, with increased settler violence, the expansion of illegal settlements and intensified Israel military operations. 

"Forced displacement or the expulsion of the Palestinian people, by any means, is unacceptable and would constitute a breach of international law. We reject any such plans or attempts at demographic change."