Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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232. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline his diplomatic engagements to free hostages from Gaza. [52831/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I have been fully engaged in efforts to free the hostages currently held in Gaza. My particular priority of course was to advocate through every channel possible for the release of Irish citizen Emily Hand, a young Irish-Israeli girl taken hostage on 7 October.

I was delighted and relieved that Emily was released last the weekend and has been reunited with her family. After weeks of trauma this is a precious and deeply moving moment for the Hand family. I have worked consistently for her release over recent weeks, including through extensive contacts with regional partners, including during my visit to Egypt, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

I also welcome the news that a number of other hostages have been released as part of the temporary ceasefire and hostage exchange. All hostages held by Hamas in Gaza should be immediately and unconditionally released. The efforts of the US, Qatar and Egypt in securing this agreement are to be commended. Their work highlights the value of effective diplomacy.

It is our sincere hope that all remaining hostages will soon also be reunited with their friends and families. There can be no military solution to this crisis and we again urge all parties to build on the positive developments that we have seen these recent days and find a path to peace and security.