Taoiseach Micheál Martin has condemned Israel’s airstrikes across Gaza this morning, which have led to hundreds of civilian casualties, stating that there must be an immediate halt to all hostilities in the region.
Reports indicate strikes occurred in various areas, including northern Gaza, Gaza City, and Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah in central and southern Gaza. According to the health ministry in Gaza, the death toll from these strikes has escalated to at least 413.
The airstrikes have drawn condemnation from high-ranking UN officials, as well as from Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan.
“For the sake of the civilians in Gaza, who have already endured unimaginable hardships, there must be a prompt end to all hostilities,” said Mr. Martin.
Damage following the airstrikes is visible in the Shejaiya residential district, east of Gaza City.
“The remaining hostages need to be released. Their families have suffered for far too long. I have consistently called for the unconditional release of all hostages held in Gaza,” he continued.
“We must immediately resume humanitarian access to the people in Gaza, and at a significant scale. This is not only a requirement of international humanitarian law but also a moral obligation.”
“I urge all parties to step back from the edge of renewed all-out war and focus instead on reaching a permanent resolution to the fighting and creating a pathway to peace.”
The UN’s human rights chief earlier expressed horror at the Israeli strikes on Gaza, which Palestinian authorities claim have resulted in hundreds of deaths, thus ending a two-month ceasefire with Hamas.
“I am horrified by last night’s Israeli airstrikes and shelling in Gaza, which have reportedly killed hundreds, according to the Ministry of Health in the strip. This will add tragedy upon tragedy,” stated High Commissioner Volker Turk.
“Israel’s continued military actions will only inflict further suffering on a Palestinian population already facing catastrophic conditions.”
UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk remarked that the strikes will bring about additional tragedies.
UN chief Antonio Guterres expressed being “shocked” by the airstrikes and reiterated the necessity for a ceasefire, as stated by a spokesperson.
“He strongly appeals for the adherence to the ceasefire, for humanitarian assistance to be resumed unimpeded, and for the unconditional release of the remaining hostages,” the spokesman said.
Israel has committed to continuing its military operations in Gaza until all hostages are returned and has unleashed its most intense bombardments since a truce came into effect on January 19.
The initial stage of the ceasefire, facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, had largely halted over 15 months of conflict in Gaza that was sparked by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Strikes were documented in various regions, including northern Gaza, Gaza City, as well as central and southern locations like Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah.
The Gaza health ministry has reported that the death toll from the strikes has increased to at least 413.
“So far, 413 martyrs have been received in hospitals in the Gaza Strip,” stated a health ministry release, adding: “Several victims remain trapped under the rubble, and efforts are ongoing to retrieve them.”
Hamas, which has not yet responded to the airstrikes, accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deciding to “resume war” following a deadlock in truce talks, warning that returning to conflict could be a “death sentence” for those hostages still alive in Gaza.
The Red Cross aid agency has reported that medical facilities in Gaza are “overwhelmed” due to the recent Israeli strikes.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris described the airstrikes as “deeply disturbing.”
Reports of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza are deeply concerning. We need to see a permanent end to hostilities and a pathway to peace. pic.twitter.com/VLY3MKbtox
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) March 18, 2025
In the meantime, Turkey has condemned Israel’s strikes on Gaza as “a new phase” in its “genocide policy.”
The Turkish government stated that Israel is defying humanity through its violations of international law.
“The massacre of hundreds of Palestinians in Israel’s attacks on Gaza… demonstrates that the Netanyahu administration’s genocide policy has entered a new phase,” the foreign ministry declared.
Egypt has likewise condemned the strikes, asserting that they violate the ceasefire agreement and represent a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict.
