Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said Israel’s missile attack on a UN school sheltering hundreds of displaced people is “further horrifying proof that nowhere is safe in Gaza.”

Ms McDonald reiterated her call for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the slaughter and called on the government to lead an urgent push for sanctions against Israel.

Teachta McDonald said:

“This missile attack shows that Netanyahu and the Israeli regime will have to be forced by the international community to the table of peace.

“Israeli impunity must be brought to an end. The Irish government must now lead an urgent push for international sanctions against Israel, particularly at EU level. Every diplomatic channel open to Ireland must now point in the direction of sanctions.

“Our government must lead by example. That means finally enacting the Occupied Territories Bill and the Israeli Illegal Settlement Divestment Bill.

“The Israeli regime has shameful form in attacking schools and health facilities in Gaza.

“This latest, horrific attack on displaced Palestinian refugees sheltering in a school building killed more than 20 people. This should focus minds on the urgent need for Ireland to join ICJ genocide case.

“Israel must be held to account for its war crimes and brutalisation of the Palestinian people.

“Recognising the state of Palestine was an important step. The Irish government must now lead in the push for sanctions that increase pressure for a ceasefire and an end to the slaughter.”