Ireland has joined three other countries in calling for an urgent, lasting humanitarian ceasefire “that can lead to an end of hostilities” in Gaza, ahead of a meeting between European Union leaders later this week.
A letter signed by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and leaders of Belgium, Spain and Malta — seen by the Irish Examiner — said only a ceasefire would help innocent civilians receive necessary humanitarian aid including water, food, medicine and fuel.
Addressed to the president of the European Council Charles Michel, the letter states the credibility of the European Union is “at stake”.
Mr Michel will be chairing this week’s meeting in Brussels, where the four member states have called on his leadership to carry out a serious debate and to agree on a “clear and firm position by the European Union”.
They also expressed concern on three issues the EU must act upon as they declared the death toll, the level of destruction and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza “are alarming”.
“First, and above all, we must call urgently for all the parties to declare a lasting humanitarian ceasefire that can lead to an end of hostilities,” it reads.
It also asked that effective measures be taken immediately to protect innocent civilians.
“Unhindered humanitarian aid must reach those in need immediately, in a sustained manner, and in sufficient quantities. Wilfully impeding relief supplies to civilians may be against international humanitarian law.
“The work of UN agencies must be facilitated and vital infrastructure must be restored.”
It also called for the opening of Kerem Shalom, a second border crossing into Gaza, to allow humanitarian aid to go in.
Finally, the letter called on a political process to implement a two-state solution saying it “cannot go back to the status quo before October 7”, where the Palestinian authority was undermined by the “lack of any serious political perspective” and Hamas was in control of Gaza.
“Providing it with such a prospect, and with proper financial and political support, is the best way to revitalise and reform the Palestinian Authority, in order for it to take back effective control of Gaza. This is vital for the security of Israel as well,” the letter adds.
It further proposed imposing targeted travel bans and asset freezes on “violent settlers who are attacking and displacing Palestinian communities” to avoid escalation in the West Bank. (IrishExaminer)