FF Leader condemns Israeli tactics in Gaza

Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin TD has condemned the latest atrocities in Gaza and called on the Taoiseach to meet the Israeli Ambassador to express Ireland’s rejection of Israel’s tactics.

Deputy Martin commented, “What is happening in Gaza is simply wrong.  Innocent men, women and children are being slaughtered on a daily basis, with the news this morning of four children being blown up on a Gaza beach providing a brutal reminder of what is happening.

“There is no question that the ongoing rocket attacks on Israel by the Hamas regime are also wrong, reckless and show total disregard for the lives of both Israeli and Palestinian civilians.  But they do not provide justification for what is happening in Gaza.  The daily bombardment of the region, with more than 220 people having been killed in the current assault ignores any sense of proportionality.  Israel has every right to defend itself, but it also needs to do so in a responsible and proportionate way.

“I welcome the short ceasefire which has been announced this morning, but it is only temporary.

“The international community needs to make it clear to Israel that the tactics being employed are unacceptable, and Ireland needs to take its place in that effort.  We learned this morning at Leaders’ Questions from the Tánaiste that the Government has not yet had any communication with the Israeli Ambassador.  This needs to change.

“The Taoiseach needs to meet with the Israeli Ambassador at the earliest opportunity to make it clear that Ireland rejects Israel’s activities in Gaza.  We strongly support any efforts to bring peace and a lasting accommodation in the region and any pressure we can bring to hastening a proper peace process should be used without delay.”