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Statement by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney, on events in Gaza
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney, spoke about events of today in Gaza, in which it is reported that over 40 people have been killed.
The Tánaiste said,
“Over the last weeks, I have repeatedly expressed my dismay at the on-going deaths of Palestinians in Gaza due to Israel’s use of live ammunition in response to demonstrations. I am profoundly shocked that already this morning, dozens more people have been shot dead by Israeli forces. Thousands more have suffered life-changing injuries.
I am gravely concerned that the use of force seems disproportionate to the reported threat, and I reiterate that an independent investigation is urgently needed, as called for by the UN Secretary-General.
It is essential that Israeli forces show restraint, if this tragic death toll is not to climb even higher. In the context of the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem, I call on all leaders to ensure that their statements today promote calm and do not further inflame tensions.”