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Rafah, Egypt — August 2025
Former Irish President and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, alongside former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, has issued a powerful statement condemning Israel’s continued blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The remarks followed their visit to the Rafah border crossing, where they witnessed firsthand the obstruction of life-saving supplies.
🚧 Aid Blockade at Rafah Crossing
Robinson and Clark, representing The Elders—a group of global leaders founded by Nelson Mandela—visited the Egyptian Red Crescent’s aid warehouses near Rafah. They reported seeing tents, generators, wheelchairs, crutches, and children’s books stockpiled and undelivered due to Israeli restrictions.
“All of the obstruction is on the other side. It is utterly devastating to see the sheer volume of vital materials sitting there,” Robinson said in a video posted by The Elders.
Despite rigorous inspections by the Egyptian Red Crescent and UN agencies, aid trucks are frequently rejected by Israeli authorities, often without explanation. Some drivers reported being turned away multiple times for minor issues.
📢 Declaration of “Unfolding Genocide and Famine”
In a joint statement, The Elders described the situation in Gaza as both an “unfolding, human-caused famine” and “unfolding genocide”, citing deliberate obstruction of aid and destruction of health infrastructure.
- At least 36 children reportedly died of starvation in July alone.
- No shelter materials have entered Gaza since March.
- 96% of households face water insecurity.
Robinson emphasized the legal responsibility of global leaders:
“Governments that are not using all the tools at their disposal to halt the unfolding genocide in Gaza are increasingly complicit.”
🛑 Call for Sanctions and Ceasefire
The Elders urged:
- Immediate opening of all border crossings, including Rafah
- Suspension of arms transfers to Israel
- Targeted sanctions on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his security cabinet
- Recognition of the State of Palestine by at least 20 more countries by September
They also called for a ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, and the release of arbitrarily detained Palestinians.
🇮🇪 Ireland’s Diplomatic Response
Ireland’s Tánaiste Simon Harris joined 24 foreign ministers in a joint statement condemning Israel’s actions and calling for unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.
“The humanitarian suffering in Gaza has reached unimaginable levels. Famine is unfolding before our eyes,” the statement read.
The ministers warned that restrictive registration requirements could force international NGOs to withdraw from the Occupied Palestinian Territories, worsening the crisis.
Sources:
- The Elders’ official statement
- RTÉ News coverage
- Irish Examiner report
- Egypt’s aid convoy details
- Simon Harris joint statement
Pictured: Mary Robinson Copyright World Economic Forum
