Government must heed pleas of healthcare workers in Gaza
Government must heed pleas of healthcare workers in Gaza - The Labour Party
Labour Senator Nessa Cosgrove has urged action from Government to enact the Occupied Territories Bill and increase pressure on Israel to end the killing in Gaza.
In advance of a briefing with Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine in Leinster House on Tuesday (13th May) at 1pm, Senator Cosgrove said Government cannot stand idly by while Israel continues to target infrastructure and personnel.
Senator Cosgrove said:
“The pain and suffering that has been inflicted on the people of Gaza by Israel is horrific. From the outset of this cruel war, Israel has deliberately targeted the destruction of infrastructure in Gaza, particularly hospitals and those working to save lives.
“After 20 months of bombing and vicious attacks, 51,000 people have been killed, while a further 117,000 have been injured – what we’re witnessing is a genocide.
“Thousands of children have been slaughtered, humanitarian aid is being blocked. Healthcare workers along with hospitals and infrastructure continue to be targeted by Israel. It’s time to step up for the people of Gaza and those working to provide life-saving or indeed life-altering care.
“On Tuesday, we will hear from those working in Gaza, on the impact of the bombing on orthopaedic surgery, the reality of nurses ‘making do’ on the ground, the impact on children and persons with disability. Government must heed their message and act to isolate Israel and put international pressure on Israel to end the war.
“To do this, we must see the immediate enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill. Doing so would put into effect the International Court of Justice Ruling of July last year. During the General Election, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil committed to enacting this crucial piece of legislation. They cannot continue to renege on its promise of progressing the Occupied Territories Bill.
“International isolation is what’s needed. It’s stomach churning to think that Ireland is failing to do all that it can to end the killing and violence. We’ve heard enough talk on Israel’s war crimes. It’s time for action now.”
Speaking in advance of the briefing, Dr Caroline Jagoe of Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine said:
“Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine call on the Government to put words into actions.
“Where there are clear breaches of international law, including the targeting of healthcare workers and healthcare infrastructure and the enforced starvation of the population of Gaza by Israel, we must act.
“We call on the Government to exert all possible means and influence to end these atrocities.”