President warns two-state solution is 'collapsing' as Gaza famine declared for the first time

President Higgins and Irish leaders condemned Israel and Hamas after the UN confirmed famine in Gaza, urging urgent EU action

Seven-month-old Salem Awad, suffering from severe malnutrition, lies on a mattress in his family's tent in Gaza City, July 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

The concept of a two-state solution is being eroded before the world’s eyes, President Michael D Higgins has said.

Mr Higgins said a formal declaration of famine in Gaza City and its surrounds “will sadly not surprise all of us who have been warning about this for some time.”

“So many world leaders have issued statements over the last two years, always referencing a two-state solution. How can they now see the very concept destroyed before their eyes - in Gaza with the loss of life and in the West Bank with further illegal occupation,” Mr Higgins said.

“Without urgent change, it is difficult to see how the international community can emerge without a loss of credibility and moral authority.” 

The President stressed that world leaders cannot wait until the UN meets in September, insisting that action must be taken now, particularly by EU member states.

Palestinian women and children hold out their empty pots in front of a charity kitchen in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on August 21, 2025. (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

It comes as Taoiseach Micheál Martin condemned the “inhumanity” in Gaza.

“Following confirmation of famine in Gaza City for the first time by the UN-backed IPC, Israel has an absolute obligation to allow the people there unfettered and urgent access to humanitarian aid, medical and food supplies,” Mr Martin.

“Israel must stop its attacks on, and bombardment of, Gaza City. The withholding of food and water from civilians is collective punishment of the people of Gaza, and a war crime.” 

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), backed by the United Nations, reported that 514,000 people in Gaza — nearly a quarter of the population — are already experiencing famine. The number is expected to rise to 641,000 by the end of September.

Around 280,000 of those affected live in the northern region covering Gaza City — known as Gaza governorate — which the IPC has formally classified as in famine. The remainder are in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, which the IPC projects will reach famine levels by the end of next month.

Palestinians carry sacks of flour taken from a humanitarian aid convoy in the outskirts of Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, Aug. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

To declare a famine, at least 20% of people must face extreme food shortages, one in three children must be acutely malnourished, and two out of every 10,000 must die daily from starvation or disease.

While criticising the Israeli government, Mr Martin also condemned Hamas for holding hostages, calling it a “war crime” and demanding their unconditional release.

“The inhumanity we are witnessing in Gaza has shocked the world. The maiming, mutilation and killing of children simply has to stop. The war must end now,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tánaiste Simon Harris called for stronger action against Israel, saying the EU must impose sanctions.

“These heartbreaking and devastating scenes in Gaza cannot be ignored. It is sickening and despicable. In Ireland, we have called it out for what it is — a genocide,” Mr Harris said.

He added that the Government would move forward with the Occupied Territories Bill after pre-legislative scrutiny, and confirmed plans for a national day of solidarity with Gaza.