TD Paul Murphy among Irish people released from detention in Egypt

A number of Irish people who were detained by Egyptian authorities, including People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy, have all been released.

The group were travelling through the country to reach Rafah on a Gaza peace march.

In a post on X, Mr Murphy said they were released last night, but that police still had their phones.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris also confirmed that the Irish citizens were released.

In a statement, he said he had spoken to Mr Murphy this morning and said he had his passport returned to him following his release.

I have spoken with @IRLEmbCairo & I can confirm that there are no Irish citizens currently in detention in Egypt relating to the march to Rafah. All Irish citizens have had their passports returned. A small number have not had their phones returned & our Embassy is pursuing this

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) June 14, 2025

Mr Harris held calls with Ireland’s ambassadors to Israel, Iran and Egypt on Saturday morning.

He said he had been briefed on developments and all embassy staff are “safe and well”.

Mr Harris called for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy, adding: “This is a dangerous moment for the Middle East. I am deeply concerned about the continuing exchange of air attacks between Israel and Iran.”

Additional reporting PA