Some 23 Irish citizens and dependants left Gaza today, the Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed. 

The citizens were met at Rafah Crossing by a team from the Embassy of Ireland in Cairo. 

The Department said they are being provided with consular assistance and support, including with onward travel to Ireland. 

The Department expects additional Irish citizens and dependants in Gaza to be on the list in the coming days. 

The Department remains in regular communication with Irish citizens in Gaza. 

Speaking on The Hard Shoulder today from Cairo, Egypt, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said it was a "great relief" to get 23 Irish citizens out of Gaza and thanked the diplomatic network of Irish ambassadors for their efforts.

"It's very good news, but we have more to work on," he said.

Roughly 35 to 40 Irish passport holders were understood to be in Gaza before crossings today.

Mr Martin said many Irish citizens did not leave Gaza today.

"Some were not in a position today to get out in terms of choices and ability to leave," he said.

"We do expect we can get some more out over the next number of days.

"There have been obstacles, there have been problems between all the different stakeholders, but were in a place now where there is a more sustainable opening of the Rafah Crossing."