Minister for Foreign Affairs Calls for Ending of Blockade on Gaza Strip

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Micheál Martin, T.D., has expressed serious concern about the critical humanitarian situation developing in the Gaza Strip as a result of the continued closure of crossing points into the region.

The Minister said:

“It is unacceptable that critically needed humanitarian supplies are being prevented from entering Gaza and that the UN Relief and Works Agency, headed by Irishman John Ging, is being impeded in its vital tasks of feeding and educating the Gazan population.

We fully understand the security concerns of Israel and condemn unreservedly all rocket attacks launched from Gaza. However, such actions do not in any way justify the punitive isolation of the Gaza Strip and its population.

“I therefore urge the immediate opening of all crossing points into Gaza. It is also important that all sides now work to re-instate the ceasefire instituted last June and to support the efforts being made by Egypt to have this extended beyond its official expiry date of 18 December.”