PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins has backed comments by former president Mary Robinson about governments being “increasingly complicit” in the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.

Robinson, along with other members of The Elders, visited the Rafah border crossing in Egypt this week, where she said they witnessed firsthand the devastating conditions in Gaza.

The Elders is an independent group of global leaders and advocates, founded by Nelson Mandela.

It has called for immediate ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, with the release of all Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners held arbitrarily by Israel.

“Governments that are not using all the tools at their disposal to halt the unfolding genocide in Gaza are increasingly complicit,” Robinson said.

She added: “Political leaders have the power and the legal obligation to apply measures to pressure this Israeli government to end its atrocity crimes.”

During the visit to the Rafah crossing with Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Robinson said they witnessed aid supplies being blocked from entering Gaza.

“A significant proportion of manifested trucks are turned away with vital supplies. The world needs to know... This has to stop.”

Mary Robinson and @HelenClarkNZ witness the devastating reality at the closed Rafah border with Gaza. pic.twitter.com/ocDlg5lUfa

— The Elders (@TheElders) August 12, 2025

She also recalled accounts of Palestinian civilians, including children, being killed while trying to access desperately needed food and medical help.

She stressed the urgent need for all border crossings — including the critical Rafah crossing — to be opened immediately to allow aid to reach those trapped inside Gaza.

In a statement this evening, President Higgins remarked that the “world will thank the Elders for the valuable comments they have made following a visit to the Rafah border crossing”.

President Higgins added that Robinson and Clark are “authoritative figures on famine, hunger and the role of the United Nations”.

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“Their statements draw attention to the 325,000 children malnourished in Gaza and at risk of death before the end of September,” said President Higgins.

Mary Robinson during her visit to the Rafah crossing on Monday. Alamy Alamy

“President Robinson is also right to draw attention to the special treatment needed for malnutrition, drawing on her experience in Somalia in 1992.”

In 1992, Robinson visited Somalia as president to raise awareness of the famine in the country.

President Higgins added that the statements made by Robinson during her visit to Rafah “deserve the widest possible circulation”.