President Michael D Higgins has denounced the famine unfolding in Gaza City, stating that the official declaration was expected, reports Breaking News.
On Friday, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed that famine is present in Gaza City and warned it could extend further into the south.
This follows repeated alerts from humanitarian organisations that aid restrictions were causing widespread starvation among Palestinians, reports Breaking News.
In a statement, Michael D Higgins said the formal declaration will “sadly not surprise all of us who have been warning of this for some time”.
“So many world leaders have issued statements over the last two years, always referencing a two-state solution. How can they now see the very concept destroyed before their eyes – in Gaza with the loss of life and in the West Bank with further illegal occupation,” Mr Higgins added, reports Breaking News.
“Without urgent change, it is difficult to see how the international community can emerge without a loss of credibility and moral authority. What is at stake now is the status of international law, the granting of impunity in conditions of indiscriminate destruction, and misrepresentation of the right to food itself by an occupying power. None of this will wait until September. It is now the time for action on behalf of the international community, including all members of the European Union,” reports Breaking News.
Israel has been blocking the entry of food, water, and humanitarian assistance into Gaza for several months.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called the crisis a “man-made disaster”.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin stated that Israel holds an “absolute obligation” to ensure immediate and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid, as well as medical and food supplies, for the people in Gaza, reports Breaking News.
“Famine in Gaza was both entirely predictable and preventable,” he added, reports Breaking News.
“The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has been raised to Phase 5, the highest possible level of food insecurity, in what has been described as an ‘entirely man-made’ and ‘catastrophic’ situation. Israel must stop its attacks on, and bombardment of, Gaza City. The withholding of food and water from civilians is collective punishment of the people of Gaza, and a war crime. The retention of hostages by Hamas is also a war crime, and it is long past time for their unconditional release and an end to this war. The inhumanity we are witnessing in Gaza has shocked the world. The maiming, mutilation and killing of children simply has to stop. The war must end now,” reports Breaking News.
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