Crowe welcomes Gaza ceasefire

Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Diaspora, Seán Crowe TD, has welcomed the news that Hamas and Israel have agreed a ceasefire in the current conflict.

Speaking after the ceasefire was announced Deputy Crowe said:

“I welcome that a ceasefire has been agreed and there is now a structured end to the brutal violence which has claimed the lives of over 140 Palestinians and 5 Israelis.

“I hope that both sides will respect the ceasefire and commend the Egyptian Government on playing a substantial role in brokering the deal.

“The emphasis now needs to be focused on ensuring the ceasefire can hold in the long-term, and then on lifting Israel’s illegal blockade of the Gaza strip. This blockade has created enormous socio-economic problems in Gaza, even before this latest bombardment.

“The people of Gaza need to begin to rebuild their lives, their homes, and their neighbourhoods. They need to restock their hospitals and repair Gaza’s vital infrastructure. None of this can happen under the current illegal blockade of the region by Israel.

“I hope talks will start immediately on lifting this illegal blockade, which has lasted for over six years now, and is causing massive suffering for the people of Gaza.”