Micheál Martin condemns 'dire' situation as Israeli forces begin 'expansion'

Tánaiste was speaking moments after the United Nations voted on a resolution calling for a "humanitarian truce" in the conflict

Explosions caused by Israeli airstrikes in the northern Gaza Strip. Picture: Abed Khaled/AP

The Tánaiste has condemned the "dire" situation in Gaza, as Israeli ground forces began "expanding their activity".

Micheál Martin was speaking moments after the United Nations voted on a resolution calling for a "humanitarian truce" in the conflict.

His comments came following a complete internet blackout in the warring region.

Mr Martin said: "Tonight, Ireland supported the UN General Assembly Resolution on the crisis in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. 

The dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip requires the international community to speak strongly. The resolution emphasises the urgent need for humanitarian assistance which civilians in Gaza so desperately need.

"We are disappointed that a Canadian amendment, clearly condemning the brutal terrorist attack by Hamas and calling for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, was not approved. 

"There should be no room for doubt on this. We also recall that obligations under International Humanitarian Law fall to all parties, state and non-state actors alike."

Mr Martin said he would "continue to work for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire, the protection of civilians and regional de-escalation."

He added: "Millions of civilians deserve nothing less."

World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote that the organisation had "lost touch" with its staff in Gaza.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said: "The Palestinian Red Crescent, the main emergency service in Gaza, said it was cut off from its operations room because of the internet blackout.

We have lost touch with our staff in Gaza, with health facilities, health workers and the rest of our humanitarian partners on the ground.

"This siege makes me gravely concerned for their safety and the immediate health risks of vulnerable patients.

"We urge immediate protection of all civilians and full humanitarian access."

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres repeated his calls for a ceasefire in a post on social media. He wrote: 

"I repeat my call for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Middle East, the unconditional release of all hostages, and the delivery of life-saving supplies at the scale needed.

Everyone must assume their responsibilities. This is a moment of truth. History will judge us all.