Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Seán Crowe TD, has backed calls from the Palestinian Government and the UN for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. So far Israel has declined the ceasefire offers.

Speaking after one of bloodiest nights of Israeli bombings, Deputy Crowe said:

“Israel carried out 60 air strikes last night and more this morning. Since midnight over 100 Palestinians have killed by Israeli attacks, including entire families.

“Over 1,150 Palestinians have been killed, and some 6,700 have been injured, since Israel launched its brutal attacks on July 8th. According to reports over three-quarters have been innocent civilians and children.

“UNICEF’s Head of Office in Gaza, and a specialist in child protection during emergencies, Pernille Ironside, has stated that there is nowhere safe for children and their families in Gaza.

“Israel has also destroyed the power plant in Gaza and there is a severe shortage of water, oil, and gas. While residents only had a couple of hours of electricity per day before, that has now been taken from them, and the humanitarian crisis is growing more and more severe by the day.

“Israel should agree to this offer of a humanitarian truce and work towards lifting the siege on Gaza so the international community can help avert this humanitarian crisis.”

ENDS