Statement by Tánaiste, Micheál Martin TD, on the situation in Rafah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement of expanded military operations in Rafah and orders for the evacuation of the civilian population pose a grave threat to the estimated 1.5 million Palestinians sheltering in the area, and must be condemned.

I have repeatedly stressed that international humanitarian law imposes a clear obligation on all parties, to all conflicts, to ensure the protection of civilians.

It is absolutely clear that a military operation in Rafah, which has effectively now become one of the largest and most overcrowded refugee camps in the world, would entail grave violations of international humanitarian law.

It is also absolutely clear that ordering the evacuation of 1.5 million people, who have nowhere safe to go, risks mass forced displacement.

This can not be allowed to happen. All countries, including all EU Member States, must demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

There can be no further equivocation.

Hamas must release all hostages immediately and unconditionally. Full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access must be provided.

Wholly inadequate humanitarian access over the last 4 months means that the UN estimates that 90% of the population face acute food insecurity, with a serious risk of famine developing. This is unconscionable.

Freezing or withdrawing funding to UNRWA further exacerbates these risks - States which have done so must urgently rescind this decision and resume funding.

UNRWA Commissioner General Lazzarini will visit Dublin next week and I will discuss with him what further support Ireland can provide to UNRWA’s essential work.