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It comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced expanding military operations in Rafah and orders for the evacuation of the civilian population.
Mr Martin said this announcement “poses a grave threat” to approximately 1.5m Palestinians who shelter in this 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,” Tánaiste said.
“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,” he added.
Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli airstrike in Rafah (Fatima Shbair/AP)
The Tánaiste said all countries, including all EU Member States, must demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, as “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 four months means that the UN estimates that 90pc of the population face acute food insecurity, with a serious risk of famine developing,” Mr Martin said, describing this as “unconscionable”.
Mr Martin also called on other States to resume funding for UNRWA, as freezing funding might exacerbate these risks.
UNRWA Commissioner General Lazzarini is set to visit Dublin next week.
“I will discuss with him what further support Ireland can provide to UNRWA’s essential work,” Tánaiste added.
At least 28,064 Palestinians have been killed and 67,611 others injured in Israeli strikes on Gaza since October 7, the health ministry in Gaza said in a statement on Saturday.
Israeli forces killed at least 117 Palestinians and injured 152 others over the past 24 hours in Gaza, the statement added.
More than 1,200 Israelis were killed by Hamas on October 7 when they stormed settlements and murdered civilians.
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