Ireland is joining the Foreign Ministers of Iceland, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia and Spain in expressing “grave concern about the reported Israeli plans.”
The expansion of military operations in Gaza to establish a prolonged Israeli presence in the strip. would mean “crossing yet another line,” says Tánaiste Simon Harris with his colleagues in the joint communiqué.
It would marking a dangerous new escalation and jeopardise any prospects of a viable Two-State solution, the Fopreign Ministers declare.
“A further military escalation in Gaza will only exacerbate an already catastrophic situation for the civilian Palestinian population and threaten the lives of the hostages that remain in captivity,” says the statement, simultaneously issued by the six states..
“We firmly reject any demographic or territorial change in Gaza, including any scheme that would force or facilitate the permanent displacement of its population, in violation of international law.
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“We also strongly oppose a system that does not ensure that the entire population gets access to humanitarian aid. Gaza is an integral part of the State of Palestine, which belongs to the Palestinian people.”
The statement comes a day after the Palestinian Ambassador expressed regret on radio that Ireland was the only country in Europe to so far condemn the planned Israeli attack.
For more than two months, Israeli authorities have blocked all humanitarian aid and commercial supplies from reaching the civilian Palestinian population in Gaza.
Despite repeated calls on Israel to lift these measures and to facilitate relief, “Israel has instead further tightened, rather than eased, the measures,” the foreign ministers say.
“We call on Israel to immediately lift the blockade. It is essential to facilitate relief for all civilians in need, without discrimination, and to follow the other humanitarian principles of impartiality, independence and neutrality.”
Together, the six ministers, including Mr Harris as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, called on the Israeli authorities to show restraint.
“We further call on Israel to take all necessary and effective measures to ensure, without delay, in full cooperation with the United Nations and humanitarian organisations.”
They want the unhindered provision at scale of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance.
Israel has proposed aid “hubs”, which it would administer, using private security companies — which the United Nations has rejected outright.
“What is needed more urgently than ever is a resumption of a ceasefire, and the unconditional release of all hostages,” the statement says.
“We reaffirm our unwavering support for the two-state solution — Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.”
The communiqué is signed by Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir of Iceland, Xavier Bettel of Luxembourg, Espen Barth Eide of Norway, Tanja Fajon of Slovenia, and José Manuel Albares Bueno of Spain, in addition to Mr Harris.
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