Gaza strip about a quarter the size of Leitrim with 65 times its population - Harkin

During a Dáil debate on the conflict in the Middle East, Sligo Leitrim TD reminded people of the awful circumstances in Gaza where 2.3 million people are corralled into an area about one quarter of the size of Co Leitrim, which is equal to 65 times the population of the county. Any bomb detonated, any missile fired has a high risk of destroying civilian infrastructure as well as maiming and killing civilians themselves. Gaza has been described as a ‘hellscape’ and that’s what it is,” Deputy Marian Harkin commented.

Referring to the interventions of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the Hungarian EU Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi on the current Middle East conflict, she described them as ill-advised and damaging.

“We have to be careful not to inflame the situation in the region but to dampen it down in order to defend, help and protect the innocent people on both sides who find themselves in this maelstrom of horror and terror that is unfolding in front of our eyes,” Deputy Harkin said.

We have to choose our words carefully. There are those, not just on both sides of this conflict, but on many sides who would walk us straight into the terror/warfare and we must do everything to avoid that,” the Deputy said.  

I am proud that Ireland has echoed the call of the UN Secretary General for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. This, alongside the unconditional release of all hostages, might provide some grounds to avoid a humanitarian disaster and avoid a wider war because the dogs of war are straining at the leash.

“We must remember that the Gaza Strip is about a quarter the size of Co Leitrim with 65 times its population, any bombing or land invasion in Gaza would be unconscionable and it is vital that the EU and our friends in the US to do all in their power to avoid this,” Ms Harkin said.

The government motion, while not perfect, calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to meet the urgent needs of all civilians in Gaza who are suffering the appalling consequences of violence. It also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages and calls for immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of all civilians in Gaza through humanitarian corridors or any other means necessary. The motion also condemns the brutal attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7th and equally and utterly condemns the bombing of the Ahli Arab hospital. It recognises Israel’s right to defend itself but emphasises that all action must be in line with international law, and this includes the prohibition of the targeting of civilians or collective punishments or the use of human shields and indiscriminate attacks.

Speaking afterwards Deputy Harkin said, “As in virtually all conflicts those involved are prisoners of history. We can do nothing about that but as an international community we have a responsibility to do all in our power to avert an escalation of the conflict and work towards putting the two-state solution back on the table.

“Despite our feeling helpless we must never be hopeless, and despite the rage and fury at the never-ending cycle of violence we must ensure that whatever we say or do is balanced and has the protection of innocent civilians as its core objective,” Ms Harkin concluded.