Taoiseach Simon Harris has condemned the “sickening” death of six Israeli hostages at the hands of Hamas. 

The Israeli military confirmed today it recovered the bodies of six hostages from a tunnel in southern Gaza. 

Military spokesperson Daniel Hagari the hostages were kidnapped on October 7th by Hamas. 

Their bodies were found during fighting in Rafah near where the military had recovered other hostages last week. 

The Taoiseach condemned their deaths, describing it as “heartbreaking and an outrage”. 

“These innocent people were abducted and held by Hamas for nearly 11 months,” he said. 

“Reports they were murdered in recent days are sickening. 

“This is the latest outrage and atrocity in a year of bloody inhumanity - this violence and death cannot continue and every life that can be saved, must be saved.” 

Harris calls for ceasefire

Mr Harris said we need an “immediate and lasting” ceasefire and called on Hamas and the Israeli Government to “make this a reality”. 

“All remaining hostages should be returned to their families and aid needs to flow freely to Gaza before the humanitarian catastrophe deepens,” he said. 

“Ireland’s solidarity and sympathy are today with the families and the communities of the six innocent hostages confirmed dead.” 

Tánasite Micheál Martin said he is "deeply saddened" by the killings.

"The taking and holding of hostages is reprehensible and unconscionable in any and all circumstances," he said.

US President Joe Biden said he was “devastated and outraged” by the deaths of the six hostages.

“It is as tragic as it is reprehensible – make no mistake, Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes. 

“And we will keep working around the clock for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages.” 

Fighting is due to pause in Gaza as part of a plan to roll out polio vaccines to hundreds of thousands of children. 

The scheme will be staggered during breaks in the conflict over three days. 

Last week health officials confirmed the virus had paralysed a Palestinian baby - the first such case in the territory in 25 years.