Ireland condemns attacks on Golan Heights and Gaza

Irish PM Simon Harris and Deputy PM Micheal Martin called for urgent de-escalation to prevent further bloodshed.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris and Deputy Prime Minister Micheal Martin Sunday condemned the attacks on the town of Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and on Deir al-Balah in Gaza. 

In a statement on his X account, Prime Minister Harris described the attack on Majdal Shams as "despicable."

"Ireland condemns these rocket attacks & those responsible must be held accountable," Harris noted.

"It is the urgent duty of all involved to de-escalate tensions, prevent further bloodshed and loss of innocent lives," he added.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign and Defense Minister Martin expressed his horror at the attacks in Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights and Deir al-Balah in Gaza in a statement on X.

"I am horrified by the attacks yesterday in Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights and Deir al Balah in Gaza," he said.

Martin also emphasized that the loss of civilian lives is "a clear violation of international humanitarian law" and that all parties to the conflict must be held accountable for these "civilian deaths and violations."

He called on all sides to "de-escalate this enormously dangerous situation" that could lead to a regional conflict.

In Saturday's attack by Israel on a school in Deir al-Balah, where thousands of displaced Gazans had taken refuge, 31 people, including 15 children and 8 women, lost their lives.

A rocket attack was carried out on a football field in the town of Majdal Shams in the occupied Golan Heights on Saturday, resulting in 12 fatalities, including children.

Israel blamed Hezbollah for the attack. However, Hezbollah denied any role in the attack.