Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Defence, Matt Carthy TD, has appealed for an urgent end to hostilities in Gaza and Israel. He has urged that all armed actions by Palestinian forces cease, and that Israeli forces immediately stop the ongoing attacks on Gaza. He called for a decisive international intervention to bring about a lasting and just solution to the Palestinian question.

Teachta Carthy said:

“The attacks by Hamas against Israeli civilians and military targets, and the Israeli bombardment on Gaza, must stop immediately. These events have the potential to lead towards a new dangerous tipping point.

“There is no justification for the killing of civilians on any side. All acts of violence must end immediately. International law must finally be respected and enforced.

“The violent offensive by Palestinian forces has occurred against a sustained intensification of the Israeli state’s occupation and apartheid in Palestine since 2022. 

“A lasting and just peace between Palestinians and Israelis requires an end to the occupation and apartheid systems being imposed upon the Palestinian people.

“Today’s events have created a new urgency to the need for a decisive international intervention. Such an intervention is required to bring about a ceasefire by all sides, and to formulate an effective road map providing for a proper negotiations process, based upon unconditional adherence to international law and the UN Charter. A durable and just solution to the Palestinian question is the way forward. Rigorous, impartial international leadership is required.”