36. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she supports the calls of an organisation for the immediate release of a Palestinian paediatrician (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54786/26]

I am concerned about recent reports indicating a further deterioration in the condition of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya. On 27 December 2024 the Israeli Defence Forces carried out an attack targeting the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, during the course of which Dr Abu Safiya was detained. As noted by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, in his report of 31 December 2024, the pattern of Israeli attacks on Gaza hospitals throughout the conflict in Gaza raises grave concerns about serious crimes under international law.

Ireland is clear that hospitals must never be militarised or targeted. Deliberate targeting of health facilities is a violation of international humanitarian law. Humanitarian workers must be protected at all times as they carry out their life-saving work. Ireland also condemns all forms of torture and ill-treatment, and calls upon all States to combat and prevent the use of torture and other forms of ill-treatment.

Ireland, including through our Representative Office in Ramallah, will continue to monitor developments in relation to this case and continues to call on Israel to comply with international law, stressing the universal applicability of international law, including humanitarian law.

I continue to have grave concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, with intolerable conditions. Israel must immediately remove restrictions on aid access and facilitate essential supplies and services to reach people across the Gaza Strip.

I commend the bravery of the doctors, nurses, paramedics and other healthcare professionals who continue to work in these appalling conditions to carry out their duties. Likewise, I note with admiration the continued advocacy of healthcare workers in Ireland for their counterparts in Palestine.