The Irish Government’s strong condemnation of Israel’s action has been criticised as “not enough”. 

Action Aid Ireland has said they are facing unprecedented challenges with 90% of the territory’s population currently displaced. 

The charity’s CEO Karol Balfe said the Government must do more than demand an immediate ceasefire.  

“We very much welcome that the Irish Government has been a strong voice on this but we are saying to all Governments, words are not enough anymore,” he said. 

“There are things the Irish Government can do to go further; we have the Occupied Territories Bill on the table, the Divestments Bill. 

“Both of these would essentially amount to consequences for Israel and we can’t for the European Union to take action - which is effectively what the Irish Government is doing.” 

Last year, in response for calls for sanctions on Israel, then-Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said it would be "ineffective" for Ireland to act unilaterally.

Palestinians evacuate from a site hit by an Israeli bombardment on Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. Image: AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi

Since the conflict began last October, an estimated 40,000 people in Gaza have died and over 90,000 are thought to have been injured. 

Ms Balfe said it is tragic that there is no end in sight for the suffering. 

“In August, Israeli forces issued 16 orders for forced displacement,” she said. 

“It’s just unbelievable that world leaders have not stopped this madness and there has to now be serious consequences for Israel. 

“We need Hamas and Israel to agree to a ceasefire.” 

Israel insists its actions are motivated by the need to destroy Hamas - who killed 1,200 people on October 7th.

Main image: Palestinians stand by a building destroyed in Israeli bombardment in Rafah. Picture by: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo