THE NEW US Ambassador to Ireland has said that aid needs to “get into Gaza” and that the war “needs to end” in one of his first public addresses in the role. 

Speaking at the Kennedy Summer School – an annual festival that focuses on Irish and American history, politics and culture – real estate developer Edward Walsh addressed the situation in Gaza, Ukraine, and Ireland and America’s relationship as trade partners. 

He was sworn in on 19 June, and gave his first public address previous to that at a 4th July party in the US residency in Phoenix Park. 

At that event, Tánaiste Simon Harris gave a speech in which he told Walsh that Ireland wants “the bombs to stop falling” in Gaza. 

In New Ross, Walsh addressed the issue of aid supply in the Gaza strip, where UN-backed experts have declared an “entirely man-made famine” in and around Gaza city. 

In reference to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Walsh said:”I particularly welcome the Taoiseach’s consideration of using Irish peacekeeping troops to enforce a hard-fought peace when the time comes. Peace here will require all of us”. 

Before going on to address Gaza, Walsh said that “like all close partners, Ireland and the United States will sometimes differ”. 

“What unites us is far greater: a shared commitment to freedom – the rule of law – and the protection of human dignity,” he added. 

He then went on to say: “On the Middle East, there is too much suffering and too much violence – Secretary Rubio has been clear on this; the goal here in the US is to end a conflict where everyday people are dying – the war needs to end – Aid needs to get into Gaza until that peace comes – and it needs to get into Gaza in such a way that it cannot be diverted.” 

Walsh said that Trump previously achieved a “landmark diplomatic achievement with The Abraham Accords”. 

He said that Ireland “knows what peace takes”, and that the Good Friday Agreement remains a “beacon of hope”. 

“It reminds the world that reconciliation is possible – that divisions can be bridged – and that peace can endure when people choose dialogue over violence,” Walsh added. 

He said that he has intentions to travel across Ireland over the next few months in order to meet people, support Irish and American businesses, “cheer on GAA teams”, and celebrate “America’s upcoming 250th birthday”. 

On the issue of trade Walsh said that the US EU Trade Agreement provides “certainty and stability” and that it will open the door to growth and job creation in both the US and Ireland. 

“The US is proud to be Ireland’s largest trading partner outside the EU – and equally proud that Ireland is the sixth largest source of foreign direct investment in America,” he further said. 

Walsh is from New Jersey and is a well-known businessman and philanthropist. 

He’s a close friend and golf partner of Donald Trump. 

Meanwhile, the Red Cross warned today that any Israeli attempt to evacuate Gaza would put residents at risk. 

The IDF has tightened its siege on Gaza city ahead of a planned offensive. 

Since dawn Israeli forces have killed 47 people according to Gaza’s civil defence agency. 

Israel is resisting international pressure to call off the offensive, and to force out the people who live in Gaza city. 

“It is impossible that a mass evacuation of Gaza City could ever be done in a way that is safe and dignified under the current conditions,” International Committee of the Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric said in a statement today.