ISTANBUL

Ireland on Wednesday highlighted a complete disregard for international law in Gaza during an open UN Security Council debate on the Middle East.

“What we are witnessing on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank is indicative of a complete disregard for international law, the UN Security Council and the integrity of the United Nations as an institution,” said Fergal Mythen, Ireland's permanent representative to the UN.

Mythen noted that Israel’s ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid and commercial supplies into Gaza is “rapidly deepening the hunger crisis” there.

“Ireland condemns the resumption of Israeli air strikes and ground operations, which have brought fresh suffering to people of Gaza and have breached a ceasefire,” he underscored.

Mythen said the severe malnutrition observed in children in Gaza was “deeply disturbing,” underlining that “outrageous” Israeli strikes on humanitarian personnel and premises "crossed new thresholds.”

“We are concerned by new visa and registration rules for NGOs announced by Israel that could further undermine humanitarian efforts and shrink civil society space,” he added.

He reminded that Ireland welcomes consensus on principles such as rejecting demographic or territorial changes in Gaza, reaffirming commitment to a two-state solution, and supporting unification of Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.

“The overwhelming will of the international community must be translated into a clear and time-bound plan for the implementation of the two-state solution,” he noted.

The envoy also voiced “concern” over the security situation in Syria and urged the international community to act “responsibly and refrain from actions that jeopardize the transition process.”

Ireland has pledged €21.8 million (about $24.7 million) to support the Syrian people, he said.

“The fragile security situation in southern Lebanon remains a significant worry. Both sides must meet their commitments under a ceasefire agreement,” Mythen said, adding that the Middle East is at an “extremely difficult juncture.”