Minister Ahern calls for the immediate resumption of fuel deliveries to Gaza

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern TD, has called on Israel urgently to restore fuel supplies to Gaza. Hundreds of thousands of homes, as well as hospitals, schools and factories, have been without power since Israel cut supplies of fuel and sealed border crossings into Gaza on Friday.  Gaza city was blacked-out on Sunday night and the UN has warned of the grave humanitarian implications if hospitals cannot operate.

Minister Ahern stated:  “I call on Israel immediately to resume fuel supplies to Gaza. I am seriously concerned about the humanitarian consequences if the decision to halt supplies is not reversed at once. It is not acceptable, in particular, that hospitals are now relying on emergency generators for essential power.  These are not designed for continuous use and the consequences will be dire for patients when the generators fail.  Schools and factories have also been affected.

“I am also deeply concerned at the recent upsurge in violence in Gaza and in particular by the deaths of civilians.  The situation has been particularly serious over the past week.  Like all sovereign States, Israel has the right and duty to protect its citizens, including from the rocket attacks which I condemn, but its actions must be proportionate.” 

ENDS+++

Press Office

21 January 2008