Martin condemns shelling of UN compound

Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has condemned Israel's shelling of the UN's relief agency, UNRWA, in Gaza today.

At least two Israeli shells hit the UN’s headquarters in the Gaza Strip, wounding at least three people.

The UN compound has provided shelter for hundreds fleeing the Israeli offensive in Gaza, and includes a school and other offices. It is feared that large amounts of aid supplies, as well as fuel trucks, could have been destroyed in the attack.

Mr Martin said he was "appalled" at the shelling and said it was "of great concern" that UNRWA had been forced to suspend its aid efforts again in Gaza as a result.

"I am also aware of some suggestions that white phosphorous may have been used in this attack. If that is so, I would strongly condemn such an act and call for this to be fully investigated by the United Nations," he said.

"Today's events, yet again, underline the necessity for an immediate and permanent ceasefire to be instituted as soon as possible. Intensive diplomatic efforts are underway in the region, both through the good offices of the Egyptian Government and the negotiations on a ceasefire which they are hosting in Cairo, as well as which UN Secretary General Ban is today visiting Israel. We will continue to support these efforts to secure an end to the violence which remains the utmost priority."

The Green Party called for UN sanctions against Israel, with the party's foreign affairs spokesman Ciarán Cuffe saying that the the body needed to send a clear message of condemnation.

"Israel has committed outrageous actions in recent days. They have fired on the UN Headquarters in Gaza where hundreds of civilians are sheltering, and have fired tanks shells into residential areas where citizens are sheltering," he said.

"They also appear to have fired on and killed citizens carrying white cloths at close range according to testimony heard by the BBC. Words of condemnation are no longer enough; economic sanctions are now required to censure Israel for its outrageous actions of recent days."

Mr Cuffe acknowledged that Palestinian rockets and mortars have killed and injured innocent people, but said Israel's actions were of a scale that required "urgent international sanctions".

Labour Party foreign affairs spokesman Michael D Higgins said the attack was another indication of Israel's contempt for international institutions. He said that while he welcomed the statements from the Government on the matter, they would have little impact and stronger diplomatic action would be required.

"It is appalling that this agency, which provides a lifeline for the people of Gaza, should be attacked in this way," he said. "In my view it is inconceivable that the EU, in particular, could continue its current economic relationship with a country while it continues to show such a blatant disregard for human life and the norms of international law."

He called on Mr Martin to propose the suspension of the upgrading of Israel's status under the EU Neighbourhood Policy at the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting in 10 days.

Amnesty International called for an immediate independent investigation into the incident.

"The attack on UNRWA, apparently targeting a clearly identified humanitarian compound, underscores the need for an impartial and thorough investigation into a range of attacks in which civilians were killed or injured and civilian buildings and infrastructure were destroyed," said Malcolm Smart, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme.

The group said it was particularly worried about the use of what appeared to be white phosphorus, a substance which can cause severe burns when it comes into contact with skin.

"Although not banned under international law, white phosphorus is an incendiary weapon which should never be used in densely-populated civilian areas due to its devastating effects," Amnesty said.

Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross reported attacks on a hospital run by the Palestine Red Crescent Society, and one on a warehouse storing relief items in Gaza.

The Irish Red Cross condemned the shelling of the hospital.

“The situation is completely and utterly unacceptable based on every known standard of international humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles and values,” said Noel Wardick, head of the International Dept of the Irish Red Cross.