Sinn Féin call for international intervention in conflict after Hamas attack on Israel

Sinn Féin has called for “decisive international intervention” in the wake of an attack by Hamas forces on Israeli territory alongside a rocket barrage.

The party’s foreign affairs spokesman Matt Carthy urged Palestinian forces to cease armed actions and called for Israeli forces to stop attacks on Gaza, the base for the Palestinian Islamist forces.

“The attacks by Hamas against Israeli civilians and military targets, and the Israeli bombardment on Gaza, must stop immediately. These events have the potential to lead towards a new dangerous tipping point,” he said in a statement.

“There is no justification for the killing of civilians on any side. All acts of violence must end immediately. International law must finally be respected and enforced.

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“The violent offensive by Palestinian forces has occurred against a sustained intensification of the Israeli state’s occupation and apartheid in Palestine since 2022.  “A lasting and just peace between Palestinians and Israelis requires an end to the occupation and apartheid systems being imposed upon the Palestinian people.

“Today’s events have created a new urgency to the need for a decisive international intervention. Such an intervention is required to bring about a ceasefire by all sides, and to formulate an effective road map providing  for a proper negotiations process, based upon unconditional adherence to international law and the UN Charter. A durable and just solution to the Palestinian question is the way forward. Rigorous, impartial international leadership is required.”

Tánaiste Micheál Martin earlier strongly condemned the firing of rockets into Israel on Saturday and called for “an immediate cessation of all hostilities”.

Mr Martin, who is also the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, said he deeply regrets “the loss of life and the impact on civilians”.

Taosieach Leo Varadkar later on Saturday issued a similar statement, describing rocket fire and loss of life in fighting as “appalling”.

Hamas fired thousands of rockets at Israel on Saturday and sent dozens of fighters across the country’s heavily fortified border, a large show of force that caught Israel off-guard.

Israel’s prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu has told Israel that it is “at war” with Hamas militants that rule the Gaza Strip.

He has ordered a call-up of reservists and promised that Hamas would “pay a price that it hasn’t known until now”.

Mr Martin, said on X, formerly known as Twitter, this morning: “I strongly condemn the firing of rockets into Israel by Hamas and attacks against Israel from Gaza.

“I deeply regret the loss of life and the impact on civilians. I call for an immediate cessation of all hostilities.”

Mr Varadkar said: “The firing of rockets by Hamas and the loss of life in fighting is appalling, as is the impact on people going about their daily lives. We condemn attacks on civilians unequivocally. The fighting should stop immediately.”

The Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv issued guidance to Irish citizens in Israel early on Saturday.

“Due to rocket fire on Israel and an ongoing attack by Gaza militants we advise citizens to exercise extreme caution, shelter in place and folow the instructions of local Israeli authorities,” it said on X.

The Embassy invited those seeking urgent consular assistance to get in contact.

The Israeli Embassy in Dublin said since the early hours of this morning, Israel has been under attack, with “hundreds of rockets being fired into Israeli communities, as well as terrorist infiltrations into Israel”.

“There have been dozens of incidents with victims in various conditions in cities, towns and communities, from the Western Negev, to Beer Sheva, Ashkelon, Tel Aviv and other parts of central and southern Israel,” a statement from the embassy said.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said she “unequivocally” condemned the attack carried out by “Hamas terrorists against Israel”.

“It is terrorism in its most despicable form,” she said. “Israel has the right to defend itself against such heinous attacks.”

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also condemned the attacks, calling for a halt to violence.

“This attack is having a horrific impact on Israeli civilians,” Volker Türk said. “Civilians must never be the target of attack.”