Irish leaders condemn Hamas attack on Israel and call for peace process | EUROtoday

Ireland’s premier and deputy premier have condemned assaults from Hamas militants on Israel and known as for “moderate voices” to come back to the fore.

Irish premier Leo Varadkar stated that the rockets launched by Hamas and lack of life was “appalling”, whereas deputy premier Micheal Martin stated he feared for residents in Gaza.

“We condemn attacks on civilians unequivocally. The fighting should stop immediately,” Taoiseach Mr Varadkar stated.

Mr Martin, who’s Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, stated it was “vital that the voice of moderation comes to the fore”.

Mr Martin stated that he may “see tensions rising” throughout a visit to the area final month, and the size of Saturday’s attack was “quite shocking”.

He stated Ireland’s stance to assist a two-state resolution had not modified, after an attack that he stated was launched “without justification”.

“We believe a two-state solution remains the only sensible and rational solution to this issue and it needs political momentum behind it,” he stated.

“My sense is that the hardliners are growing in influence, and that’s why I believe the need to have moderate voices in the centre is key.

“So what we need really is a political peace process to get on track in a serious way. That will mean, I think, international intervention as well to facilitate that, but it’s a very, very complex and difficult situation and there will be many consequences to today’s attack.”

Asked whether or not Israel’s response to the Hamas attack was proportionate, Mr Martin stated that extra info was wanted.

“I’ve been in touch with my officials, and again, we need hard information to make an assessment of the situation at this stage,” he advised reporters on Saturday night.

“I’m always of the view that bombing urban conurbations will result in unjustified loss of civilian life, that has always been my consistent position and that’s why Ireland has been a signatory to the international convention in respect of bombings… in densely populated areas and that remains our position.

“But this was an appalling attack by Hamas and one which they know the consequences as well, and I fear for people in Gaza because we’ve seen what has happened and there needs to be a political will towards a political solution.”

The Tanaiste had travelled to the area final month on a three-day diplomatic journey the place he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.

He additionally travelled to the occupied Palestinian territory the place he met with President Mahmoud Abbas.