Irish premier Micheal Martin has called for the war in Gaza to end, describing the images of starving children as "horrific". Martin called for a surge in humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza following reports of children dying due to malnutrition and starvation in recent days.
Palestinians in Gaza are facing severe shortages of food, water and aid. The call comes after Tanaiste Simon Harris was one of 26 signatories to a joint statement on Monday, which calls for an end to the war in Gaza.
Harris highlights civilian suffering
Harris, who is also Minister for Foreign Affairs, said the "suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths". In a social media post, Martin said: "The situation in Gaza is horrific. The suffering of civilians and the death of innocent children is intolerable."
He added: "I echo the call by foreign ministers of 28 countries for all hostages to be released, and for a surge in humanitarian aid. This war must end and it must end now."
UN chief describes Gaza horror
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described Gaza as a "horror show with a level of death and destruction without parallel in recent times". He told the Security Council: "Malnourishment is soaring. Starvation is knocking on every door."
Guterres warned: "Now we are seeing the last gasp of a humanitarian system built on humanitarian principles. That system is being denied the conditions to function. Denied the space to deliver. Denied the safety to save lives."
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
