Irish Minister Emer Higgins says mass starvation in Gaza 'is an affront to our collective humanity'

During the United Nations conference on the two-state solution in New York City on Monday, Emer Higgins, Ireland's minister of state for public procurement, digitalisation and eGovernment, said that mass starvation in Gaza is "an affront to our collective humanity".

"We are seeking a political solution to this absolutely devastating conflict. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached new depths of despair and misery.

"Mass starvation is spreading across Gaza, and this is an affront to our collective humanity."

She affirmed the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories was "unlawful" and said the two-state solution was the only process for "clear and lasting peace".

"The importance of the recognition of the State of Palestine and its admission as a full UN member state was the recurring theme", she said.

The conference follows France's decision to formally recognise Palestinian statehood. Other major European powers, such as Germany and the UK, also nominally support a two-state solution to the conflict, but have long been reticent to formally recognise a Palestinian state.