President Michael D. Higgins has called for urgent action following an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza City school that was housing displaced families. The strike, which hit the compound used as a shelter, has reportedly resulted in around 100 deaths, according to the Hamas-run Gaza government. The Israeli military, however, claimed the attack targeted Hamas militants and questioned the Palestinian casualty figures.
In a statement, President Higgins emphasized the need for global attention to the escalating crisis. “There is no room anymore for anyone to avert their gaze from Gaza,” he said. “The airstrike will be condemned by all those seeking to find peace in what is a continuing horrific violation of human rights.”
Higgins also referenced recent comments by Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs, who condemned the attacks on at least 10 schools in recent weeks as unjustifiable. “Practical diplomatic measures are urgently needed to prevent further loss of life and destruction in the region,” Higgins added. “The outrageous level of killing must end with an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the provision of all necessary aid.”
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has echoed Higgins’ call for a ceasefire. In a social media post, Martin condemned the Israeli airstrike and stressed the urgency of halting the violence. “I condemn the airstrike by Israel on a school in Gaza, with reports of dozens of civilian deaths. An immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages is a priority,” Martin said. “It’s time for the slaughter to stop.”
The attack on the school, which occurred amid ongoing hostilities, has further intensified calls for international intervention and support for a ceasefire. The situation remains dire as both humanitarian concerns and political tensions continue to escalate in the region.