35 Irish people remain trapped in Gaza, says Micheál Martin
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No Irish citizen has been able to leave Gaza since the outbreak of Israeli bombing over three weeks ago, the Tánaiste has said.
Micheál Martin said that around 35 Irish people remain trapped in the region, due largely to the closure of the Rafah Crossing into Egypt.
He said citizens from many countries are having issues getting out of Gaza due to the crossing closure.
Mr Martin said there was a lot of focus on the crossing as it's "very difficult for people to evacuate at all and also humanitarian aid going into Gaza" and that they are calling for a humanitarian pause.
"There's been intensive discussions going on, involving Egypt, obviously the Israeli authorities, the European Union, and the Secretary General of the United Nations. So it's a very fluid situation, in our view, that's why we're calling for humanitarian pause."
The Tánaiste was speaking as he inspected the 123rd Battalion at Kilkenny Castle as it prepares to fly to Lebanon, where it will be part of a UN peacekeeping mission in the region.
Fighting has broken out between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants in recent weeks. Over the weekend, a shell hit a UN facility and injured a peacekeeper. However, Mr Martin said that while there is always concern around sending troops abroad, there was no question of them being withdrawn.
"Our troops are safe and well and all protections are being taken. Our troops are well trained and we will continue to monitor the situation — force protection and the protection of our people is paramount."
Mr Martin said that Ireland disagreed with the US and Israel that now is not the time for a ceasefire.
"Ultimately the great casualty of war are civilians and the civilian population. And I think all of us can see what's happening within Gaza. The civilian population of Gaza deserve respite and we're very clear and that's why we support the UN resolution," Mr Martin said.
"We believe there should be an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza. There should be the facilitation of aid, humanitarian supplies, and medical supplies into Gaza at scale. And the human suffering is just too great to allow this continue.
"I think we made our position clear. The situation is very volatile. Feelings are running very high because of everything that has happened.
"But we believe a rational strategic approach now needs to be adopted because not only does Israel have the right to go after Hamas but, in our view, they must do so within the parameters of international law and humanitarian law. The entire civilian population of Gaza cannot be collectively punished because of the actions of Hamas and they must distinguish between the population at all times."