Minister for Foreign Affairs Welcomes Israeli Ceasefire in Gaza

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin TD, has welcomed tonight’s announcement by the Israeli Government of a ceasefire in Gaza.

The Minister said:  “I welcome the ceasefire, which should allow for desperately-needed relief for the people of Gaza after a month of extreme suffering.  It is imperative that it is now maintained in full and that all necessary humanitarian assistance is urgently provided.  In response, Hamas and other militant groups must completely cease the firing of rockets into southern Israel.

It is clear that this ceasefire is only a first step towards the establishment of some degree of peace and order in Gaza.  It must now be built on, with the support of regional actors and the international community.  The immediate priority must be a sustained improvement in the living conditions of people in Gaza.  Thereafter, the focus must be on the relaunch of the peace process, with the objective of two states living side-by-side and in peace.”