Higgins Urges an Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza
Sudan Events – Sumaya Sayed
Irish President Michael D Higgins on Sunday urged an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza as the death toll from the ongoing Israeli war of genocide on the enclave surpassed 27,000, with the majority being women and children.
The Irish leader’s call for urgent action came in a comprehensive phone conversation with Mike Ryan, the executive director of the World Health Organisation’s Health Emergencies Programme, late last night.
President Higgins stressed the critical need for a swift conclusion to peace talks to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. According to Ryan, the current death toll among UN Relief Work Agency (UNRWA) staff in Gaza stands at 152, adding a sombre note to the already devastating situation.
The Irish leader said following the call, “Listening to the update which Dr. Ryan provided, it is clear that it is more vital than ever that the space for diplomacy be forefronted and supported as steps that are necessary for saving life and helping discussions towards peace, and that those negotiations on which all sides are engaging are brought to an early and positive conclusion.”
Higgins referred to the WHO’s latest Emergency Situation Update, indicating that 70% of those killed in Gaza are women and children. UNICEF, he noted, had underscored that the Israeli genocide campaign has left 17,000 children without parents, and 75% of the population of Gaza has been displaced.
President Higgins urged a collective consensus on the immediate need for a ceasefire, asserting that it offers the best prospect for essential humanitarian support to reach the population in desperate need.
