Micheál Martin and Simon Harris have welcomed the news of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
This evening, Qatari Prime Minister al-Thani announced a ceasefire, following weeks of negotiation between Israel and Hamas.
The six-week initial ceasefire includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza.
They will also withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor in Gaza within 50 days.
Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, which includes all women, children and men over the age of 50.
Israel will release 30 Palestinian detainees for every civilian hostage and 50 detainees for every female Israeli soldier released.
Israel will also release the Palestinian women and children they have detained since October 7th 2023.
Today's agreement between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire, the release of hostages and access for humanitarian aid is welcome after 15 months of immense human suffering and destruction.
My full statement below: pic.twitter.com/7pVGFODhgn— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) January 15, 2025
The outgoing Taoiseach said the ceasefire deal is welcome after "15 months of immense human suffering and destruction".
"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," Mr Harris said.
"Hostages have been held in captivity for more than 456 days, away from their families and loved ones.
"They too have endured the most horrific suffering and distress."
Mr Harris said the international community must now "play its part" in surging aid into Gaza and to work towards "lasting peace".
"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."
The outgoing Tánaiste, meanwhile, described the ceasefire deal as a "long awaited development".
I welcome that agreement has been reached on a hostage release and ceasefire deal.
This is a long-awaited development. Far too many innocent people have been killed, in Gaza and in Israel, since this conflict commenced.
My full statement ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/uZWx85zBJ0
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) January 15, 2025
"Far too many innocent people have been killed, in Gaza and in Israel since this conflict commenced", Mr Martin said.
"We look forward to the release of all hostages held in captivity by Hamas and their return to their families as a matter of urgency.
"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."
Mr Martin said Ireland remains "convinced the implementation of the two-State solution is the only way to establish lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians".
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the United Nations is ready to support the implementation of the ceasefire deal.
Feature image: Micheál Martin and Simon Harris, Eamonn Farrell / © RollingNews.ie
