Micheál Martin ‘horrified’ by events unfolding in Rafah

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the level of human suffering was ‘quite shocking’ (Brian Lawless/PA)

Cate McCurry

Micheál Martin has said he is “horrified” by events unfolding in Rafah, describing the levels of violence as “unconscionable”.

Israel has threatened to launch a full-scale assault on the southern Gaza city.

More than one million civilians are sheltering in Rafah after evacuating other parts of Gaza amid Israel’s war in the region.

Protesters demonstrated outside Leinster House in Dublin calling on Israel not to invade Rafah (Niall Carson/PA)

The Israeli military seized control of Gaza’s vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Israeli troops said they had reopened the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza – a key terminal for the entry of humanitarian aid that was closed nearly three days earlier after a Hamas rocket attack.

The Tánaiste said he was “really horrified” with the events.

Speaking at the Arbour Hill commemoration event, Mr Martin said: “It’s quite shocking, the level of human suffering.

“The civilian causalities, death and very serious injuries on a daily basis being (endured) by the people of Gaza.

“The taking of the Rafah crossing, for example, creates huge challenges for humanitarian aid getting into Gaza.

“I have seen myself the amount of aid has been stopped already. There is an urgent need for medicines, for food and for the basics of life to get in for the people of Gaza.

“It’s only unconscionable that this level of violence continues.

Protesters called for sanctions against Israel (Niall Carson/PA)

“We need an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages and then we need discussion on the political track on how Gaza is reconstructed because what the people have gone through there is quite horrific and it is shocking and unacceptable, it has to stop.”

On Wednesday, protesters from the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign gathered outside Leinster House in support of the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Rafah.

Demonstrators waved Palestine flags and called for Israel not to invade Rafah and to impose sanctions against Israel.

Meanwhile, Mr Martin today welcomed Colin and Eithne Bell, founders of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT) to Iveagh House.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, through its Embassies and Consulates overseas, has developed a close working relationship with the KBRT.

The KBRT is the only charity of its kind on the island of Ireland and was established by Colin and Eithne Bell in memory of their son Kevin, who died tragically in New York in 2013.

“I am pleased to recognise the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust for the important contribution it has made for over a decade, supporting the families of over 1,800 Irish citizens who have sadly died overseas. The solace and support the KBRT provides to bereaved families during the repatriation cannot be overstated,” he said.

“I particularly want to pay tribute to Colin and Eithne Bell, along with the rest of the Bell family. In the depths of their own grief at the tragic loss of their beloved son, Kevin, they extended the hand of friendship to other bereaved families by setting up the KBRT, providing support to those in need in the most difficult and devastating of circumstances.

"Today we also remember Kevin Bell, who tragically lost his life in 2013 at the young age of 26. While Kevin’s life was cut short, his legacy lives on through the KBRT.

“I place great value on the strong partnership that exists between my Department and the KBRT. Today is an opportunity to thank all of the team and supporters of the KBRT.”

The Tánaiste presented Colin and Eithne Bell with a sculpture made from ancient bog oak titled 'Homecoming.' 'Homecoming,' created by artist Kevin Casey, symbolises the hand of friendship and support that the KBRT has provided to families across Ireland since it was established in 2013.

The Tánaiste said: “Sadly, my Department supports the families of many people each year who lose their lives while travelling abroad. Later this month I will launch a summer travel campaign to raise awareness among young people in particular to 'Make the Right Memories' by taking extra steps to protect their safety and wellbeing while abroad.

“To the thousands of young people who will travel this summer, I encourage you to enjoy yourselves. Prepare for your travel by visiting www.ireland.ie/TravelWise. Remember to look out for yourself and your friends while overseas to ensure that you all come home with the best of memories.”