Statement by President Higgins on death of those seeking aid in Gaza
Date: Mon 21st Jul, 2025 | 17:16
“Across the television screens of Europe and the world we are seeing images of death that was preventable.
This weekend from Gaza we have seen images of several mothers grieving alongside the bodies of their babies who have died of malnourishment.
We have seen an image of a mother being prevented from seeing the body of her 9 year old son and his 10 year old sister killed at the top of the queue as they queued for water.
We have had an announcement that more than 80,000 people have been given notice to vacate their homes in central Gaza and head south to what is described as a ‘non-operational area’ but where killings, including that of a tent family, have taken place.
It is clear that this latest development in forced displacement is aimed at such destruction of infrastructure as will constitute there being nothing to return to on the part of those displaced.
It is now time for us to hear from an independent body or the European Union itself as to how the recently negotiated access of aid to those dying of starvation and dehydration, including the tiny infants and breastfeeding mothers who are going to die due to dehydration, is being provided.
In his weekend statement on these issues, Pope Leo XIV has used his strongest language to condemn this assault on civilian life and has asked the international community to respond with the urgency these issues demand.
As the directly-elected Head of State of a Member of the European Union, I repeat my many appeals to those who have not broken silence on these issues to join with Ireland and others in seeking an immediate delivery of aid and a strengthening of diplomatic measures to achieve this, and emergency action by the United Nations to end this preventable loss of life.”