Howlin condemns violence and killings in Gaza

Labour Party Leader Brendan Howlin TD has condemned outright the shocking scenes of violence and death in Gaza today that has seen live fire used by Israeli forces against Palestinians.

Deputy Howlin said:

“I want to condemn utterly the slaughter today by Israeli forces against protesting Palestinians in Gaza.

“The outrageous use of live fire has resulted in the killing of dozens of protestors and wounding of hundreds more. it is a shocking development that all people who want to see peace in the Middle East should condemn.

“The Irish Government must publicly condemn what has happened today and the Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney should seek an immediate explanation from the Israeli Ambassador.

“As I said last year, the unfortunate decision of President Trump to move the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem has provoked huge anger and demonstrations, and set back the possibility of a long term peace.

“It is time for both the Irish government and the EU as a collective to respond strongly to the actions of the Israeli government today.

“The last Dáil passed a motion to formally recognise Palestine as a state. The Irish Government should now move to deliver on that commitment.”