Targeting of Gaza refugee camps 'should raise serious concern', says Simon Coveney 

Palestinians look for survivors following an Israeli airstrike in Nusseirat refugee camp, Gaza Strip. Picture: AP Photo/Doaa AlBaz

The targeting of a refugee camp in Gaza by Israeli forces “should raise serious concern” among the international community, Trade Minister Simon Coveney has said.

Health officials in Gaza have confirmed a significant number of Palestinians were killed in the Jabalia refugee camp and hundreds wounded.

The total death toll is not yet known.

Speaking to reporters in Seoul, South Korea while on a trade mission, Mr Coveney said although Israel has a right to defend itself, it does not have the right to respond in a way that puts civilians and children’s lives at risk.

In what appeared to be a strengthening statement on Israel’s retaliation to an attack by Hamas earlier this month, Mr Coveney said there has been an “increasing concern” amongst the international community as to Israel’s approach to Gaza.

He said many people were shocked by the “terrorist atrocity” that occurred on October 7 in the cross-border Hamas attack but that many countries including Ireland have been trying to urge restraint and trying to ensure that the Israeli response to that attack respects the boundaries of international law and international humanitarian law.

Mr Coveney said: "The idea that a building in a refugee camp in southern Gaza could be targeted, to my mind is something that should raise serious concern amongst the international community, this should not be happening.

And while of course, Israel has the right to defend itself and has the right to go after Hamas for what they have done to Israeli civilians, they don't have the right to to respond in a way that puts so many civilians and children's lives at risk.

"And that is what's been happening day after day and that's why I think there's an increasing concern now amongst the international community as to the Israeli approach in Gaza." 

Mr Coveney said so far over 8,000 Palestinians have died, many of them children in “the military operation that’s taken place in Gaza”. 

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney. Picture: Brian Lawless

He added: "Since then we and other countries are calling for a ceasefire, calling for a pause to allow humanitarian assistance and support to get into Gaza,

It must be said that a Palestinian child's life is valued, or should be valued in the same way as an Israeli or an Irish child's life. 

"And what we're seeing at the moment, in my view, is not consistent with international humanitarian law. And unlike many other countries, we urge restraint and look for a ceasefire from Israel, so that we can respond to the humanitarian needs across the Gaza Strip," Mr Coveney added.