The plight of children from Israel and Gaza

Statement from the Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó‘Fearghaíl, TD, cathaoirleach, Senator Jerry Buttimer and chair of the Ireland-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group, Senator Aidan Davitt

Yesterday we met with the families of the children being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

Their suffering is immeasurable as they await news of their children’s plight. As we listened to their anguished pleas we promised we would do all we could to help them.

Over the last 39 days, the toll of death, destruction, displacement and human suffering has been truly shocking. The violence must cease and the hostages must be released immediately.

As members of the Oireachtas, we are truly appalled and deeply saddened that children in particular have suffered so grievously. Death, displacement, injury and captivity have been visited on the young and innocent. Children must be protected, whether they be Israeli or Palestinian.

As the toll of suffering and loss of human life continues to rise we believe that it is imperative that UNICEF, the Red Cross and the Red Crescent be granted immediate access to all children to verify their wellbeing, secure their release and ensure that their urgent healthcare needs are met.

We have written to the secretary general of the United Nations as well as the executive directors of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to request that they engage as a matter of urgency with all actors of influence to ensure that the plight of the children of Israel and Gaza is addressed.