One Palestinian man studying in Ireland has thanked the Irish people for 'standing with Palestine'.
Abdelaziz Abushark is from Gaza and studying at Trinity College Dublin.
The city of 2.3 million people has run out of electricity as Israel continues its bombardment in response to an attack on the country by Hamas over the weekend.
The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, has confirmed 11 of its workers have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip since Saturday.
It comes after Israeli warplanes bombed the Palestinian territory overnight and into Wednesday.
The latest conflict has claimed at least 2,300 lives in total.
Groups outside the GPO in Dublin city centre at a 'Stand with Palestine' rally on October 11th 2023, as the Israel–Hamas war continues. Image: Sam Boal / © RollingNews.ieSpeaking at a 'Stand with Palestine' march in Dublin city centre on Wednesday, Mr Abushark told Newstalk he hasn't been able to contact his family.
"I've been crying, I can't do anything, I can't eat," he said.
"I have friends and family living in Gaza... I can't contact them.
"No power, no food, no water right now for the past 24 hours.
"I lived the war in 2014 and I was a little kid, so I know how they feel right now.
"It's a brutal war, they're killing everyone."
'You have to fight back'
Mr Abushark has compared the situation in Palestine to that of Ukraine.
"Imagine someone coming to your house and picking you and you can't fight back," he said.
"Imagine what happened to Ukraine: Russia invaded them and they're fighting back and everyone saying they're heroes.
"Imagine being kicked out from your house for 75 years and you can't do anything about it.
"You have to fight back - what was taken from [you] by power you have to take it back by power.
"It's the Palestinian people that are fighting back.
"We need human rights, we need self-determination, the right to return, the right to feel human like anyone under the sun."
'We share the same struggle'
Mr Abushark said he believes Irish people understand the Palestinian struggle.
"The Irish people here, we share the same struggle," he said.
"You were occupied by the British and you fought back... I feel like they understand us.
"I'm thankful for everyone coming here, standing with Palestine, and knowing what's happening right now.
"They're committing war crimes against my people, against my family and my friends," he added.
Protesters march with flares in Dublin city centre at a 'Stand with Palestine' rally on October 11th 2023, as the Israel–Hamas war continues. Image: Sam Boal / © RollingNews.ieMore than 175,000 people are sheltering in schools operated by UNRWA, which has some 13,000 staff in the enclave.
In another sign of the crisis widening, the Hezbollah militant group claimed responsibility for a rocket strike on Israeli territory launched from Lebanon on Wednesday morning.
With residents in Gaza trapped between Israel, a closed Egyptian border and the sea, NBC News reports the administration of US President Joe Biden is coordinating with other countries on a plan offering civilians escape.
Fire and smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, 08/10/2023. Image: AP / AlamyUN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza following the Hamas attack.
"I appeal to all parties, and those who have an influence over those parties, to avoid any further escalation and spillover," Mr Guterres said on Wednesday.
"I call for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
"Civilians must be protected at all times. International humanitarian law must be respected and upheld.
"UN staff are working around the clock to support the people of Gaza and I deeply regret that some of my colleagues have already paid the ultimate price.
"Crucial life-saving supplies - including fuel, food and water - must be allowed into Gaza.
"We need rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access now," he added.
Additional reporting: Sheila Naughton
