Tánaiste: Israeli bombardment of Gaza not justified
Palestinians examine the destruction after Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip in Khan Younis, Saturday. Picture AP Photo/Fatima Shbair
The attack by Hamas on Israel last month does not justify the level of “bombardment” on Gaza, Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said.
Speaking to reporters at the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis in Dublin, Mr Martin said that the Hamas attack against Israel, which left over 1,400 dead, left a lot of anger in the country.
“I think there's no doubt that if you look at the enormity of the Hamas attack on Israel, I mean, one of the best comparators made in relation to it was, it was equivalent to 10,000 French citizens being killed in a terrorist attack. Men, women and children,” Mr Martin said.
“So there is clearly a lot of anger in Israel, but that does not justify, in my view, the scale of the bombardment on Gaza.
“I believe what Israel is doing is disproportionate, it’s not necessary, so I believe it contravenes the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, where the concepts of proportionality and principles of necessity are key.
“Too many children are losing their lives and too many innocent civilians are losing their lives.
“It seems to me that Israel are pursuing Hamas but doing so in a ruthless way that is killing far too many civilians.”
Israeli strikes on Gaza have now killed at least 9,227 Palestinians, of which 3,826 are children, since the war began in October, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Asked if he would consider bringing the Israeli ambassador in to the Department of Foreign Affairs to discuss Ireland's concerns, as called for by Irish MEPs, Mr Martin said he has engaged with the ambassador on previous occasions following the Hamas attack.
However, he criticised those who have called for the Israeli ambassador’s expulsion, saying that it was necessary to maintain links to ensure Irish citizens can leave Gaza.
“We are now working to get Irish citizens out of Gaza and I know Sinn Fein has called for the expulsion, essentially, of the Israeli ambassador,” Mr Martin said.
“Logic escapes me as to how we are to meaningfully seek to get Irish citizens out of Gaza, if one of the countries that we are working with, we break off relations with.
“Don’t forget, if we expel the Israeli ambassador, which I do not agree with but some advocate for, that would immediately mean the recall of the Irish ambassador who is working in Israel and at the moment is working and keeping contact with all the Irish citizens in Gaza.” ends
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
