Crowe calls for end to fresh attacks in Gaza and Israel

Sinn Féin’s Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Trade, and the Diaspora, Seán Crowe TD, has called on all sides involved in the recent attacks on Gaza and Israel to immediately cease hostilities.

Deputy Crowe said:

“The air strikes attacks on Gaza by Israel, as well as the firing of rockets by Palestinian militants in Gaza into Israel, will achieve nothing but more bitterness and bloodshed.

“This latest upsurge of violence has the potential to destroy the relative calm that has been in place in the region since a ceasefire was agreed between Hamas and Israel in November.

“However, this is not the first time the ceasefire agreed on 22nd of November has been broken.

“The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights documented that between 22nd of November 2012 and 21st of February 2013, four Palestinians were killed in Gaza by the Israeli Army and 91 were wounded. Two mortars were fired into Israel by Palestinian militants during this time.

“There were also 30 attacks on Gaza’s fishermen and 13 Israeli Army incursions into the Gaza Strip, during this period.

“We know that Palestinian prisoners have been rioting and on hunger strikes since a 64 year old prisoner died of cancer on Tuesday. The latest upsurge in violence is reportedly connected to this case and the general treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

“Israel must ensure that the rights of Palestinian prisoners are respected and upheld. This would also help reduce tensions in the region.

“I am calling on all sides to immediately stop their military attacks and I would urge them to return to the negotiating table.

“To create peace, prosperity, security, and development in Palestine and Israel, inclusive dialogue involving all the participants, must begin immediately.”