Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Ensuring the safe exit from Gaza of all Irish citizens who wish to leave, and their accompanying dependants, is a priority of the Government. From the beginning of the crisis, I worked tirelessly to facilitate the necessary clearance from the relevant authorities for Irish citizens to exit Gaza, together with the family members accompanying them. Throughout October and November, I spoke personally by phone with foreign ministers from across the region. In these calls, I underlined the situation of Irish citizens in Gaza and advocated for them to be included in the list for the exit of foreign and dual nationals and their dependants.

I also visited the region during which I met the foreign ministers of Egypt, Israel and Palestine to make the case for our citizens. On 15 November, during my visit to the region, the first group of 23 Irish citizens and dependants exited Gaza. To date, my Department has assisted 56 Irish citizens and dependants to leave Gaza. A small number of Irish citizens remain in Gaza. We continue to work consistently with the relevant authorities on these cases.

Turning to the hostages held in Gaza, I was happy to learn of the release of Emily Hand over the weekend. I have been personally touched by Emily's story. I met Tom Hand ahead of my visit to the region, along with members of the Haran and Shoham families, in Dublin. The Government worked consistently for Emily's release, including through extensive contact with regional partners. I am grateful for the efforts of the US, Qatar and Egypt in securing the agreement that led to the release of hostages. All the hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza should be immediately and unconditionally released. Emily’s story has been personal for us all. We heard from Tom about the trauma she has suffered. These individual cases tell of a wider truth. No child should be kidnapped. No child’s home should be violated. No child should suffer the horror of living in a war zone. That is why we must spare no effort to find long-term peace for the region.

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