President Michael D Higgins has referred to the existing food and humanitarian distribution system in Gaza as “bogus”.
Israel is experiencing heightened international pressure to put an end to its conflict in Gaza, which was ignited by the unprecedented attack from Hamas on Israeli territory on 7 October 2023.
Concerns have escalated regarding the faltering aid distribution in Gaza, which Israel had obstructed for over two months before permitting a few UN vehicles to enter in mid-May.
The United Nations has stated that this amount of aid is insufficient to address the humanitarian needs.
The organization, which has faced strong criticism from humanitarian groups such as the United Nations, began its aid distribution last week.
However, it halted operations yesterday after the Israeli army announced that routes to distribution centers were “considered combat zones”.
President Higgins characterized the aid distribution system in Gaza as ‘bogus’.
During a speech today in Galway at the commemoration of 25 years of Terryland Forest Park, President Higgins expressed that he could not discuss green open recreational areas without addressing the situation in Gaza.
He stated that the “bogus” humanitarian distribution sector in Gaza is now “considered a conflict zone”.
He observed: “Before the conflict, Gaza had the highest population density in the world – 5,500 people per square kilometer.
“After numerous displacements, it is now 30,000 people per square kilometer – all crammed together. Only 8% of the land can be utilized for food next year.
“This dispossession and the notion that the bogus humanitarian distribution sector is now seen as a conflict zone.
“You must decide: will you risk your life for your children or will you go without food? To me, this represents a failure of humanity, a profound moral collapse.
“Those who assert that this is part of our nature contradict the very essence of humanity.”
Read more: Gaza rescuers report 37 fatalities due to Israeli airstrikes.
President Higgins also mentioned the recent vote in the UN Security Council, where 14 out of 15 members supported an immediate, conditional, and lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
However, the US vetoed the resolution, arguing that it undermined ongoing diplomatic efforts.
President Higgins remarked: “We are now in a perilous and uncontrolled environment where you can say anything.
“You can threaten to restrict people’s freedom of movement and their access to food.
“On this issue, there must be no ambiguity, and the UN General Assembly has the right under ‘Uniting for Peace’ to initiate actions that can supersede the Security Council, asserting that if you sign international laws, you take on the responsibility for implementation – that will be my dialogue with people from now until next week.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris also called the failure to pass the resolution “deeply disappointing”.
He stated: “Israel must cease blocking aid to the people of Gaza. Ireland firmly supports the resolution’s call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages.
“It is evident that a majority of the UN’s members are unified in a desire to end the current suffering. Ireland will continue to collaborate with partners to address the devastating situation in Gaza.”
Additionally, President Higgins expressed that he believes Trinity College’s choice to sever all ties with Israeli organizations was made after thorough consideration of all factors.
“This initiative began with student activism, but I believe Trinity has made its decision and intends to follow through.
“It is crucial to contextualize this within the current happenings in the US, where prestigious universities are now facing threats. I see [Trinity’s decision] as a practical choice rooted in idealism. They thoroughly evaluated all aspects of their decision-making process,” he added.
