Statement by President Higgins on situation in Gaza City
Date: Thu 2nd Oct, 2025 | 21:11
"The assumption that all of those who have not the means, or who are afraid, or who simply want to stay in even the ruins of their house rather than be forced south, are to be regarded as possible targets because of alleged sympathy with Hamas is an outrageous act of collective punishment on a civilian population.
It must be stopped. Europe, the world and the international community should not simply wait for this to happen.
The families of the hostages being held by Hamas will share concern of the new assault on Gaza.
At the same time as this immediate risk, those deprived of water, medicine and food continue to suffer with four people dying of malnutrition yesterday including a child.
There are three essentials: immediate access for relief, water medicines and food; immediate release of all of the hostages; and clarification that all of the parties involved accept the need to begin the process for establishment of a Palestinian State
It is also of importance that the rights of all those detained from the flotilla are respected."