Taoiseach calls for immediate ceasefire after further bloodshed in Gaza

Simon Harris condemned recent attacks on hospitals, calling them "utterly reprehensible" as medical staff continue to care for the sick. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

The Taoiseach has expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly in Northern Gaza, where access for medical NGOs is reportedly being restricted.

Simon Harris condemned recent attacks on hospitals, calling them "utterly reprehensible" as medical staff continue to care for the sick.

Mr Harris highlighted the ongoing bombardment, which has resulted in over 60 casualties in the past 24 hours, and called for an immediate end to attacks on civilians and infrastructure.

In central Gaza, at least 10 people including two children were killed on Saturday when a house was hit in the town of Zawayda, according to the al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah.

Another strike killed 11 people, all from the same family, in the Maghazi refugee camp, according to the hospital.

Overnight on Friday, at least three houses were struck in Jabaliya, northern Gaza, killing at least 30 people, more than half of them women and children, said Fares Abu Hamza, head of the health ministry’s ambulance and emergency service. At least 80 people were injured.

"For so long now, so many children have been killed. For the children who have so far survived, the lasting psychological impact will be profound," Mr Harris said.

"The world needs to do more to bring about a ceasefire. We can’t continue to watch the horror unfold."

Mr Harris concluded: "Israel needs to start listening and stop their war on Gaza."

The Taoiseach said the Government will review further legal advice this week based on the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion.