The Irish deputy premier has said he is “horrified” by events unfolding in Rafah, describing the levels of violence as “unconscionable”.
Israel has threatened to launch a full-scale assault on the southern Gaza city.
More than one million civilians are sheltering in Rafah after evacuating other parts of Gaza amid Israel’s war in the region.
On Wednesday, Israeli troops said they had reopened the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza – a key terminal for the entry of humanitarian aid that was closed nearly three days earlier after a Hamas rocket attack.
Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he was “really horrified” with the events.
Speaking at the Arbour Hill commemoration event, Mr Martin said: “It’s quite shocking, the level of human suffering.
“The taking of the Rafah crossing, for example, creates huge challenges for humanitarian aid getting into Gaza.
“I have seen myself the amount of aid has been stopped already. There is an urgent need for medicines, for food and for the basics of life to get in for the people of Gaza.
“It’s only unconscionable that this level of violence continues.
On Wednesday, protesters from the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign gathered outside Leinster House in support of the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Rafah.
Demonstrators waved Palestine flags and called for Israel not to invade Rafah and to impose sanctions against Israel.
