DUBLIN, Wednesday, May 8, 2024 (WAFA) – Irish Foreign Minister Michael Martin warned of the dire consequences of Israel's control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing.

 “It is absolutely unacceptable for Israel to control the Rafah crossing. Gaza is suffering from famine and the crossing is currently closed to vital humanitarian aid,” said Martin in a post on the social media platform X.

Martin added, "Invading Rafah will lead to dire consequences," stressing that there is an urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and the release of the hostages.

Earlier yesterday, Israeli occupation forces took over the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing and stopped the flow of aid to the Gaza Strip.

Additionally, Israeli occupation warplanes launched a series of violent raids on the eastern areas of Rafah, resulting in the killing of several civilians and causing multiple injuries.

The Palestinian death toll from Israel's deadly aggression against the Gaza Strip since October 7th, 2023, has now surged to 34,789, medical sources confirmed this morning.

The sources added that at least 78,204 others have also been injured since the beginning of the onslaught.

Y.S