Micheál Martin: Desperate need for Israel to follow 'the rules of war' 

Tánaiste says Israel must distinguish between Hamas and Gazan civilians

Rockets are fired toward Israel from the Gaza Strip. Picture: AP Photo/Ariel Schalit

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said there is a desperate need for Israel to follow the rules of war and distinguish between Hamas and innocent civilians living in Gaza.

In a statement released on Sunday, Mr Martin condemned the “brutal criminality” of Hamas following last Saturday’s attack against Israel, but cautioned against striking back against civilian targets.

“There is no doubt about the brutal criminality of Hamas and their utter disregard for human life, including the lives of their fellow Palestinians,” Mr Martin said.

“But we absolutely must distinguish between Hamas and Palestinian civilians in Gaza.” 

The Foreign Affairs Minister said that while Israel does have a right to defend itself, any retaliation must be within the “parameters of international humanitarian law”.

He particularly criticised Israel for calling on the civilian population of Gaza to move south, saying that it is “deeply dangerous and impossible to implement”.

Mr Martin said: 

The UN has been very clear. It is not possible for such a move to take place without serious humanitarian consequences and the likelihood of a catastrophic situation.

“As the heads of the International Federation of the Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross have said, in the law of armed conflict there is no hierarchy in pain and suffering.

“The rules of war exist to help preserve humanity in its darkest moments, and they desperately need to be followed today. They are, and should remain, our compass to ensure that we put humanity first.” 

Micheál Martin. Picture:  RollingNews.ie

He added that the Government is in contact with the United Nations and other partners to create humanitarian corridors into Gaza from Egypt, to provide supplies to civilians in the strip.

The Tánaiste also said that he is concerned about the rising death toll on both sides of the conflict, while calling on Hamas to release all hostages taken last week.

“The death toll from the brutal terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel last Saturday has now reached over 1,300 and the Israeli authorities have confirmed that at least 126 hostages have been taken to Gaza, the majority civilians. They must be released immediately, without preconditions,” Mr Martin said.

“Over 2,200 people, of which at least 700 are children, have now been killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza, with many more wounded.” 

Mr Martin also raised concerns about an increase in violence in the West Bank, saying that there are further incidents of settler violence and “displacement of Palestinian communities”.