‘Despicable and unconscionable’: Tánaiste criticises Israeli plan to seize Gaza

James Cox

Tánaiste Simon Harris has described Israeli plans to seize the whole of Gaza for an unspecified time as "alarming".

Israel approved plans on Monday to seize the Gaza Strip and to stay in the Palestinian territory for an unspecified amount of time, two Israeli officials said, a move that, if implemented, would vastly expand Israel’s operations there and likely draw fierce international opposition.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, this time, his forces won't launch raids , then leave - but "the opposite".

Speaking with an interpreter, he has warned the population must move for "its own protection".

Mr Harris, who is also Minister for Foreign Affairs, said "what is happening to the people of Gaza is despicable and unconscionable".

A statement from the Tánaiste read: "The reports of a planned extension of military operations by Israeli forces in Gaza are alarming. Such a move would result in further deaths, casualties and untold suffering for the Palestinian population who already face a dire humanitarian situation.

"I strongly urge the Israeli authorities to exercise restraint. What is happening to the people of Gaza is despicable and unconscionable. This is a humanitarian catastrophe.

"We need to see an immediate ceasefire of hostilities, release of remaining hostages and the resumption of humanitarian aid at scale in Gaza."