'Unfolding genocide': Mary Robinson says Israel blocking aid as she visits Gaza crossing point

Cate McCurry, PA

Former president Mary Robinson has expressed “shock and outrage” over mass starvation in Gaza.

She made the comments in a joint statement with former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark after they visited the Rafah Crossing with The Elders group.

They said they saw evidence of food and medical aid being deliberately denied entry into Gaza by Israel, and for the first time described the situation as an “unfolding genocide”.

Mary Robinson and Helen Clark with an official from the Egyptian Red Crescent in front of the Rafah border crossing speaking to a truck driver whose aid shipment was rejected by Israel. Photo: Getty

Ms Robinson said: “Governments that are not using all the tools at their disposal to halt the unfolding genocide in Gaza are increasingly complicit.”

The former UN human rights commissioner said political leaders have the power and legal obligation to apply measures which would put pressure on the Israeli government.

“This is all the more urgent in light of prime minister Netanyahu’s Gaza City takeover plan,” she said.

Ms Robinson said US president Donald Trump must use his “leverage to compel a change of course”.

Her statement came as the Tánaiste joined the UK, Australia and other European states in calling on Israel to allow unrestricted aid into Gaza, describing the humanitarian suffering as “unimaginable”.

In a joint statement signed by the foreign ministers of 24 countries, they said famine is “unfolding before our eyes”.