by Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA
President Michael D Higgins has written to other European presidents, stating that silence on the situation in Gaza would constitute a moral failure.
He acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense but emphasized that the “horrific” attack on October 7, 2023, should not “provide a license or cover” for the extensive civilian casualties in Gaza.
In a letter addressed to his counterparts on Monday, Mr. Higgins detailed the profound suffering of Palestinians in the enclave.
He referenced Unicef figures indicating that 6,500 children received treatment for acute malnutrition in June alone, with an additional 5,000 admitted in the first two weeks of July.
He reported that approximately 80 children have died from malnutrition and quoted Pope Leo XIV’s urgent appeal to the international community.
Mr. Higgins penned the letter to the Arraiolos group, an informal association of EU country presidents that convenes annually.
This political forum was named after the Portuguese town where its inaugural meeting occurred in 2003.
“I am sure that we all remember with horror the moment when news broke of the horrific atrocities carried out by Hamas as we returned from our meeting of the Arraiolos Group in Porto in October 2023,” he stated.
“These atrocities were rightly condemned by all member states. We were not silent and called for the unconditional release of all hostages.”
“While Israel has a right to defend itself, we cannot let that horrific event provide a license or cover for the totally unacceptable loss of life, including from malnutrition and dehydration by infants and mothers that is now being perpetrated in Gaza.”
Mr. Higgins urged non-executive presidents within the Arraiolos Group to lend their voices to calls for an end to civilian deaths, the unconditional release of all hostages, and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid.
“I also firmly believe that, collectively, the Arraiolos Group has a strong voice and leadership role to offer in relation to what is happening in Gaza.”
“Silence, failure to take an initiative will be rightly construed as a moral failure.”
“As a fellow member of the group of Arraiolos and your colleague, I would respectfully ask the group to consider adding its powerful voice to the international community calls for a halt to the avoidable loss of life of civilians in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages and full-unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza.”
Mr. Higgins also highlighted the destruction of 80 percent of croplands and wells in Gaza, and the dehydration and malnutrition affecting 20,000 mothers in the region.
7 · Compliance & Disclaimers
This article discusses matters of international relations and humanitarian concerns. It does not constitute legal, financial, or health advice.
8 · Call-to-Action
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