Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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190. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the up-to-date position on the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. [27341/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I strongly condemn the continuing Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have brought fresh suffering to the people of Gaza and have breached the ceasefire. Israel's plans to expand its military operation in Gaza and establish its prolonged presence are extremely alarming and will further compound an already dire situation.

58 hostages remain held in captivity by Hamas, which is unacceptable.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening daily. The entire population is facing high levels of food insecurity. More than 20% face starvation after 18 months of fighting, and almost 80 days of the Israeli blockade on vital, life-saving, humanitarian aid.

The Government has consistently condemned any arrangement for humanitarian assistance that does not ensure access for the entire population. Israel's decision to take control of the distribution of humanitarian aid through private contractors has been described by the UN as unacceptable and designed to further control and restrict supplies. Recent days have seen a small amount of aid being permitted to enter Gaza. However, this is completely out of proportion with the scale of humanitarian need, which continues to grow.

The immediate focus of the international community must be on bringing hostilities to an immediate end and for all parties to return to talks aimed at immediately agreeing a ceasefire and hostage release deal. All remaining hostages must be released. There needs to be an immediate resumption of humanitarian access into and throughout Gaza, and at scale.

The obstruction of life-saving aid by Israel is a violation of its international obligations. Israel must fulfil its obligations under international humanitarian law and agree to an immediate end to hostilities and a full, unimpeded resumption of humanitarian aid delivery.

In response to concerns regarding the situation in Gaza, on 21 May the EU Foreign Affairs Council agreed to a review of Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

We have used every lever at Ireland’s disposal and we will continue to do so.