Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said Israel’s evacuation order for citizens northern Gaza as “deeply dangerous and impossible to implement”. 

Speaking at the Wolfe Tone commemoration at Bodenstown in Kildare, Mr Martin said he is “deeply concerned at the situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory”. 

“The UN Secretary General made it very clear yesterday; even wars have rules,” he said. 

“International humanitarian law exists for a reason. Its overarching aim is to protect civilians; all civilians, everywhere.” 

On Friday, the IDF ordered the 1.1 million people living in north Gaza to evacuate within 24 hours as it prepares an expected attack on ground, sea and air. 

It is expected to launch a ground attack on the area to target militant Hamas locations. 

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu told troops in southern Israel on Saturday that “the next stage is coming” as it enters its ninth day of conflict. 

Palestinians flee from northern Gaza to the south after the Israeli army issued an evacuation warning, 13/10/2023. Image: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo

Mr Martin this evacuation cannot take place “without serious humanitarian consequences and the likelihood of a catastrophic situation”. 

“There is no doubt about the brutal criminality of Hamas and their utter disregard for human life, including the lives of their fellow Palestinians,” he said. 

“But we absolutely must distinguish between Hamas and Palestinian civilians in Gaza.” 

He said Israel have a right to defend itself, but this must be within the remit of international law. 

The Tánaiste also called on Hamas to release the 126 hostages they have taken “without preconditions” for release. 

“The rules of war exist to help preserve humanity in its darkest moments, and they desperately need to be followed today,” he said.