Ireland Urges Israel To Open Block Aid Delivery To Gaza

JAKARTA - Ireland urged Israel to immediately lift the blockade of aid deliveries to Gaza as today marks the longest blockade for aid to enter the enclave since Israel's attack on Gaza in October 2023.

"It makes no sense that suffering is currently continuing. This is the longest blockade for aid to enter Gaza since the start of the war," said Simon Harris, deputy prime minister or Irish Foreign Minister, as reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Friday, May 2.

"No humanitarian supplies or commercial goods can enter Gaza for more than eight weeks due to the Israeli blockade. Children are starving. Hospitals even run out of basic pain relievers," he continued.

Citing the warning issued by the World Food Agency (WFP) that food supplies are running low, he underlined that life-saving assistance is available and is urgently needed, but trucks cannot get to Gaza.

Harris called the current situation "unacceptable," he stressed that obstructing life-saving aid was a violation of Israel's international obligations.

"Ireland asked Israel to immediately lift the blockade and allow access to humanitarian aid without a hitch," Harris said, urging all parties to re-negotiate to ensure an immediate ceasefire and release of all remaining hostages.

The Israeli Foreign Minister also asked the international community to "act now to prevent further disasters."

Israel has closed Gaza crossings since March 2, blocking important supplies into the enclave despite reports of starvation in the war-torn region.