DUBLIN, Wednesday, May 10, 2023 (WAFA) - Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin, reacting to the Israeli killing of 15 Palestinians in Gaza yesterday, including four children and four women, said he deeply regrets the loss of life in Gaza.
He also said he was also disturbed by Israel’s demolition on May 7 of the EU-funded Jibb al-Deeb elementary school, near the southern West Bank city of Bethlehem.
“I deeply regret the loss of life in Gaza,” he said in a statement. “The killing of civilians, including children, is never acceptable. These acts risk escalating the situation and leading to further violence.”
He stressed that the deteriorating security situation highlighted once again the need to restore a political horizon and a credible peace process.
On the demolition of the school where 60 first of fourth grade Palestinian students were studying, the Irish Foreign Minister said he was disturbed by the demolition and called on Israel not to proceed with demolitions as dozens more schools are also targeted with demolition.
“I am also disturbed by the demolition on 7 May by Israeli authorities of an EU-funded school in the occupied West Bank. Such acts negatively impact essential education for Palestinian children,” he said, urging Israel “not to proceed with demolitions and to cease all settlement activities.”
Ireland, he added, “is part of a group of EU Member States that are pursuing compensation for demolished humanitarian structures.”
M.K.
