Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney said tonight that an immediate unconditional ceasefire is required in Gaza and he said that ‘Gaza and its people must not become a graveyard for international law’.

The Sinn Féin national chairperson was speaking as media is reporting that an unprecedented Israeli bombardment of the city is underway, that Israel has cut communications affecting emergency services and the Israeli Army has ordered people to flee the city

Declan Kearney said:

“The terror being inflicted by the Israeli bombardment in Gaza tonight is causing even more human devastation.

“It is depraved that civilians have been ordered once again to leave their homes and that communications used by the emergency services dealing with the dead and injured have been cut.

“A human catastrophe is being inflicted on the people of Gaza in full sight of the eyes of the world.

“Over 7,000 Palestinians have now been killed.

“70% of them are women and children.

“Not another life should be lost in this war.

“This war must end immediately. Unconditional ceasefires should be called. Hostages should be released immediately.

“A decisive and rigorously impartial international intervention is needed to facilitate inclusive talks for a peace settlement.

“The entire edifice of international law is now being threatened by Israeli actions.

“Gaza and its people must not become a graveyard for international law.” ENDS/CRÍOCH