Police in Northern Ireland have mandated the evacuation of over 400 homes due to the discovery of an object believed to be a bomb from World War II.
Authorities announced on Monday that the operation to remove the device could extend beyond five days.
The bomb was found in Newtownards, a locality within County Down, approximately 15km east of Belfast, on Friday.
“While I recognize the inconvenience this situation causes, the safety of the community is our utmost priority, and we are taking no chances,” stated Superintendent Johnston McDowell of the North Down and Ards District.
Northern Ireland authorities have erected barriers and are advising motorists to steer clear of the area, and an emergency support centre has been established to assist displaced residents.
Earlier this month, Ireland called on the European Union (EU) to review its existing partnership agreement with Israel, citing repeated human rights violations in Gaza and other occupied Palestinian territories.
This appeal follows a deadly Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza, which left dozens dead and many others injured.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris issued a statement expressing deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.
He highlighted that over 80% of Gaza is under evacuation orders, and the number of aid shipments entering the territory has drastically reduced, with fewer than 80 trucks arriving daily in June and July.
Harris emphasized that Palestinians are seeking refuge in schools, which have increasingly become targets of attacks. He stressed the need for accountability for what he described as undeniable war crimes committed in Gaza.
Harris also warned that the world is on the brink of a catastrophic moment, yet all necessary measures to end the violence are not being utilized.
The Irish PM called for an urgent review of the EU-Israel partnership agreement, noting that the current approach is insufficient in addressing the ongoing crisis.
