Taoiseach welcomes Gaza ceasefire after ’15 months of destruction’

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Taoiseacj Simon Harris has welcomed the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal following “15 months of immense human suffering and destruction”.

Mr Harris said he hoped the deal will now receive the formal approval of the Israeli government.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal which promises the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel, and would allow hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Gaza to return to what remains of their homes.

Mr Harris said: “The brutal war we have witnessed has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians, including more than 17,000 innocent and vulnerable children.

“More than 100,000 have been physically injured or maimed, many of them losing limbs or suffering other life-altering injuries.

“Hostages have been held in captivity for more than 465 days, away from their families and loved ones.

“They too have endured the most horrific suffering and distress.

“I hope that all sides will seize this opportunity, fully honouring their commitments, allowing hostages to return to their families and the people of Gaza to begin rebuilding their lives and I hope that it will lead to a permanent arrangement.”

The Taoiseach said the international community must play its part by working to “put a process in place that can lead to lasting peace”.

He said: “This will only be achieved through a two-state solution, with the state of Israel living in peace and security alongside a sovereign state of Palestine.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said it had been a “long-awaited development”.

He said: “We need to see a massive scale-up of humanitarian aid into Gaza, return of basic services and a clear framework under which those displaced as part of the conflict can return.

“Palestinian Authority governance is crucial in this regard, as is the role of UN and humanitarian agencies, including UNRWA, who must be allowed to operate fully and without hindrance.

“I commend the facilitators, notably the US, Egypt and Qatar, for their sustained efforts over recent months and urge that these discussions are sustained with a view to ensuring full implementation of this agreement.”