Sinn Fein spokesperson on Children, Kathleen Funchion TD, has said children in Gaza cannot continue to be collateral damage as the state of Israel sustains it’s nightly slaughter of innocent people.

The Carlow-Kilkenny TD called for the International community and Irish Government to act to protect the lives of thousands of innocent children on World Children’s Day 2023.

Teachta Funchion said:

“Today we are witnessing the wilful killing of children in their thousands, perpetrated by a rouge state that has completely lost its moral compass.

“As the bombing intensifies on a daily basis, children are suffering the gravest violations of their rights. Their lives are of little consequence as hourly attacks on their homes, schools and most cruelly, hospitals, are continually perpetrated.  

“The children of Gaza are not to blame for this conflict; yet it is they who are suffering the most. They are vulnerable to the immediate and longer-term consequences of Israel’s illegal actions. Depriving children access to basic humanitarian aid, like health care, food, water and shelter.

“Reports of schools being stormed and children denied access to education; and schools being used makeshift refugee camps, all impact a child’s right to life and liberty.  Tragically many children have lost one or both of their parents, and in some cases whole families have been wiped out. We cannot in conscious not call this out.

“We also call out Hamas’s continuing detention of infants and children, who they are holding against their will. These children must be returned to their families and homes as a matter of priority.

“This is all a direct violation of the UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child).  

“All of these actions are in breach of international and humanitarian law.
 
“They are war crimes against innocent children, and they must stop now.”