IRELAND

Targeting and abuse of civilians in Gaza and Lebanon must stop – Taoiseach

It comes as villages in south Lebanon and north Gaza have been told to evacuate by the Israeli military.

Taoiseach Simon Harris speaking to the media during a visit to Georgetown University in Washington DC, US (Niall Carson/PA)

PA Wire

Cate McCurry

The deliberate targeting and abuse of civilians in Gaza and Lebanon must stop, the Taoiseach has said.

It comes as villages in south Lebanon and north Gaza have been told to evacuate by the Israeli military.

Palestinian medical officials also said that an Israeli strike in Gaza had killed a family of eight.

The strike late on Saturday hit a home in the Nuseirat refugee camp, killing parents and their six children who ranged in age from eight to 23, according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in nearby Deir al-Balah where the bodies were taken.

“Yesterday, Israel ordered more villages in south Lebanon to evacuate,” Simon Harris said in a statement.

“In north Gaza, having attacked Jabalia by land and air, killing dozens of civilians, it has besieged the town and ordered remaining civilians to leave. It is clear they have nowhere safe to go.

“This deliberate targeting and abuse of civilians must stop.

“Civilian populations are protected under international humanitarian law. Targeting them shows flagrant disregard for international law and all human rights norms and is a war crime.

“Those responsible must be held accountable.

“That must be the case for Israel, as well as for Hamas and Hezbollah. There should be no impunity.

“It is past time the international community united not just in condemnation, but in action to bring this appalling situation to an end.

“This week, I will travel to Brussels to attend the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit on Wednesday and the European Council on Thursday. The Middle East will be on the agenda.