Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade supports calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Charlie Flanagan, TD, has voiced his support for the UN Security Council's call for a ceasefire in the current conflict in Gaza and Israel.

He said:

"The violence now being witnessed in Gaza and Israel is unacceptable and it is incumbent on all sides to agree an immediate ceasefire to spare civilians from further violence and suffering.

"The Government has already clearly condemned both the rocket fire from Gaza into Israel as well as the very high civilian casualties resulting from Israeli military actions in Gaza. Both sides to this conflict need to exercise maximum restraint, fully respect international humanitarian law and avoid further actions which could escalate the conflict or result in more civilian casualties. All Palestinians and Israelis have the right to live in peace and security and without the threat of indiscriminate violence.

"I am also extremely concerned at the worsening of what was already a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Government is supporting the UN's Emergency Response Fund which was created to provide rapid support for humanitarian activities at the sudden onset of emergencies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. We are in regular contact with our UN partners on the ground to discuss urgent humanitarian needs now arising as a result of the crisis.

"My Department is advising strongly against all travel to the Gaza Strip and adjacent areas. Irish citizens planning to visit the region should register with my Department, exercise extreme caution, and follow our updated travel advice."