Statement from Taoiseach Simon Harris

Yesterday, Israel ordered more villages in south Lebanon to evacuate. 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.

I will be engaging with other EU member states serving with UNIFIL in Lebanon to ensure that our peacekeepers are fully protected and that the EU sends a strong signal of support for UNIFIL and for the UN more generally.

I have repeatedly said that the international community - all countries and organisations - must use all levers at our disposal to bring about a ceasefire and to end the appalling violence in the Middle East. The European Council this week is an important opportunity to deliver a strong and united message.

ENDS