AhlulBayt News Agency: Ireland has strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza, calling it “unconscionable” as Palestinian children face starvation. Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris stressed that the situation is dire, with hospitals running out of basic painkillers and no humanitarian or commercial supplies entering Gaza for over eight weeks due to the Israeli restrictions.
The World Food Programme has warned that its food stocks are now depleted, and Harris emphasized that life-saving aid is available but remains blocked from reaching those in need. He described the prolonged ban as the longest since the war began, calling it “unacceptable” and urging Israel to immediately lift the blockade to allow unimpeded humanitarian access.
Harris also called for the resumption of ceasefire negotiations, stressing that the international community must act swiftly to prevent further catastrophe. He warned that continued restrictions on aid would only deepen the humanitarian crisis and escalate tensions in the region.
Israel initiated its military campaign in Gaza on October 7, 2023, following Hamas’ Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, which was carried out in response to intensified Israeli actions against Palestinians. Despite agreeing to a ceasefire deal in January, Israel failed to achieve its stated objectives, including dismantling Hamas or securing the release of captives.
On March 2, Israel cut off all food, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid to Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, just two weeks before breaking the two-month ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement. Since the start of the war, 52,418 Palestinians have been killed and 118,091 others injured, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
In a further escalation, Israel launched a drone attack on a Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship carrying humanitarian aid and activists off the coast of Malta in international waters, raising concerns about its continued targeting of relief efforts
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