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Israelis. I urge all involved to support and engage in the efforts that are under way to reach agreement on a new ceasefire and hostage release agreement. Today, I met with the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, which is one of the key interlocutors … terms of trying to bring about a ceasefire. I now believe based on that conversation that there is a real window of opportunity to get a ceasefire, to get humanitarian aid flowing and to get the hostages released and people need to seize this opportunity. Let us take

think the European Union, in many parts of the world, could have done even more to apply more pressure to bring about a ceasefire. However, I am very conscious, in the context in which we are talking tonight, that there is a ceasefire in place but the ceasefire … extraordinarily fragile. There have been remarks in the past number of hours that are alarming, concerning and threaten to further undermine that ceasefire. We need the hostages released. They need to be back with their families. We need the aid to flow and an ability to get humanitarian

call on "all parties to fully commit to implementing all phases and to refrain from any actions that jeopardise the agreement". The ceasefire in Gaza has been in place for five weeks. This is not a ceasefire that operates as I or ordinary people would expect. Since … ceasefire, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza health authorities. Much of Gaza remains under Israeli military control. Humanitarian organisations argue much of Gaza is still suffering as a result of insufficient aid coming in and talks of lasting peace have somewhat stalled. The number

months of horror, to wake up to the news, as we did this morning, that perhaps there will be a 60-day ceasefire will be welcomed by most people. Of course we will welcome it if it happens but for a number of reasons it is hard … have confidence in a ceasefire in this conflict. One reason is that the person who announced it this morning, Donald Trump, has a poor record in foreign policy. I will come back to that a couple of times. Let us consider the comments and reaction of Israel

range of foreign affairs matters. I am conscious we are meeting against a backdrop of great fragility when it comes to the ceasefire, and I know that all sides of this House will agree on the importance of the ceasefire being maintained. It was long awaited and quite … many civilian deaths and far too many children having died. It has been the most horrific situation and we now need the ceasefire to hold. I am rather alarmed and concerned at some of the language I have heard in recent hours and days in respect of that

violence to an end. When we had this conversation in the Dáil approximately six weeks ago, we were talking about a fragile ceasefire and one that was imperfect. That was absolutely the case. However, hostages were being released, the bombardment of citizens had stopped and aid was finally … weeks later. We need to get people back to the table for talks to get the second phase of the ceasefire and the hostage release deal in place. This matter is central to my engagement with EU partners. I welcome that the High Representative for Foreign Affairs

Ukraine, including military assistance, play a constructive role in any potential peace process and contribute to security guarantees as part of a ceasefire agreement. The aim is to ensure that Ukraine enters any serious negotiation from a position of strength and that a lasting and just peace … reiterated their continued and unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. They agreed that a ceasefire can only take place as part of the process leading to a comprehensive peace agreement. It was agreed that any such agreement needs

also need to secure agreement on the 20th package of sanctions. This is about increasing the pressure on Putin to agree a ceasefire and engage meaningfully in negotiations. Ireland strongly supports further measures to raise the costs to Russia, including by targeting the shadow fleet and its enablers … Middle East and the Gulf, which has escalated significantly since the European Council met in Brussels last month. The extension of the ceasefire as announced by President Trump Is welcomed. However, the situation remains very volatile. The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked by Iran, the US blockade

Ireland’s foreign policy on this issue clear and consistent and grounded in the commitment to upholding international law. The agreement on a ceasefire and the hostage deal represents welcome progress. It has brought desperately-needed respite to Palestinians in Gaza and relief to the people of Israel … although we all know it is a very fragile ceasefire and something that needs to be worked on. I commend the efforts of the US, as well as Qatar, Türkiye and Egypt, in securing this much-needed agreement. I also commend efforts to progress implementation of what

legislation in the first place - certainly why I did. I talked about using all the levers at our disposal to bring about a ceasefire. There is now a ceasefire. The ceasefire is very fragile. At EU level, I spoke about using all the levers at our disposal … help change the calculus, get Netanyahu to a ceasefire and end the genocide. We now have that fragile ceasefire but it is fragile, and as people have referenced, there have been incursions and moments of significant concern, even in the past few days. Therefore, it is right

continue to witness unspeakable scenes. Ireland's consistent position since the beginning of the conflict has been to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access at scale into Gaza … partners at the UN last week, that it is time to move from words to action. We urgently need to see an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and we welcome the ongoing efforts in this regard. We need to bring an end to the violence, get the hostages

part of a peace agreement. We also discussed how the EU can apply more pressure on Russia to agree to an unconditional ceasefire and engage seriously in peace efforts. It was agreed that strengthening sanctions against Russia is key to this effort. The European Council therefore agreed … obligations under international humanitarian law. We must use all available levers to bring this awful conflict to an end. There must be a ceasefire leading to a permanent end to the conflict. All remaining hostages must be released. The people of Gaza and the loved ones of those

this position again. Ireland strongly condemns the continuing Israeli military operations in Gaza. We urgently need an end to hostilities and a permanent ceasefire. We unequivocally condemn the terror attacks by Hamas on Israel on 7 October 2023. The taking of hostages is unconscionable and I call … keep the focus on Gaza and the West Bank amid the wider regional instabilities. The EU is united in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages and immediate unimpeded access to, and distribution of, humanitarian aid in Gaza. Ireland has been

thank the Deputy. I reiterate my strong concerns as to where we find ourselves in relation to the ceasefire agreement that is fragile. It is so important that all parties to that ceasefire agreement adhere to its terms. It is absolutely vital that Hamas releases the hostages … that Israel continues to observe the ceasefire. A return to violence and to conflict is almost unimaginable in terms of the scale of devastation it could bring at a time when we are finally beginning to see humanitarian aid getting into Gaza. That needs to be the focus

Government as well as our broad approach to important recent developments and current considerations. Last month saw agreement on a long-awaited ceasefire and a hostage release deal. This has brought much-needed hope and relief to the people of Israel and the people of Palestine, whose lives … defend itself from attack but any such right had to be exercised in line with international law, including international humanitarian law. With a ceasefire deal now in place, our priority bilaterally and as a member of the European Union must be to make sure the ceasefire is implemented

want to see a sustainable two-state solution. The Israeli Government is continuing its actions, even now, against the backdrop of a ceasefire. It is difficult to call it a "ceasefire" when hundreds of people have been killed by Israeli forces in the period. We have seen attacks … people by settlers. We have incursions and continued undermining of the two-state solution. It cannot be that we freeze here with the ceasefire, insofar as it is a ceasefire, and leave it at that. Clearly, we need to see pressure put on Israel to ensure that

absolutely clear that as a country, we need to do everything in our power to bring what is a very fragile ceasefire to a more permanent ceasefire. We need to ensure that we continue to use whatever levers are available to us to hold people accountable. I acknowledge … that, since the ceasefire, there have been killings of innocent civilians. That is why the measures against the EU-Israel agreement are firmly on the table. This issue was raised at the most recent meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council. I am pleased to say that

this country. More broadly, in terms of our support for Palestine, there has been unanimous support for the need to reach a ceasefire. I very much welcome the ceasefire that has been reached, albeit that it is very fragile and difficult. I also very much welcome the fact … level that it needs to be. We need to make sure that every single one of our actions now cements and upholds the ceasefire that is currently in place. I have no doubt that citizens in Ireland will continue to raise their voices, to make sure their concerns

could not but be quite surprised at what has happened. We welcome the ceasefire, although it is a ceasefire of sorts, that has happened in Gaza but we are aware of the fact that slaughter of the innocents still continues and we do not, in truth, have … full and total ceasefire. Gaza's health ministry reported that more than 300 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli fire and nearly 900 injured since the ceasefire agreement came into effect on 10 October. The situation needs to be continuously monitored. I mentioned surprise. I refer to surprise

Some 250 people have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire. As of 11 November, there have been 282 breaches of the ceasefire. That is some ceasefire. That equates to about 10% of the number of people killed in the entire Irish War of Independence. The number … people being killed in Gaza every day is still enormous. There has been a lot of discussion about this ceasefire, this deal and so on. I certainly welcome any progress towards peace. I welcome the fact that progress is being made in that direction. I welcome the release

absolutely clear. It is only really because of the heroic resistance of the Palestinian people that we have what is not even a ceasefire. Israel killed 13 people in Lebanon last night and has killed about 260 people since the so-called ceasefire, which was forced on Israel … rang up Netanyahu and told him they could not take on the world. That is what he said. They were forced into the ceasefire. The Minister of State's speech thanks the United States for their efforts in bringing about a ceasefire. Is he joking? Israel could

against Israel. The aid and leadership we provided are very welcome, but people are keen to hear that, just because there is a ceasefire, that does not mean we continue to trade with illegal Israeli settlements in violation of international law. Just because there is a ceasefire does … mean Israel is not in violation of human rights clauses in the EU-Israel association agreement. Just because there is a ceasefire does not mean that the genocide did not happen and that people and nations should not be held accountable, because the ceasefire has not meant

local journalists to report on the crisis. Foreign press access to Gaza remains banned. When witnesses are silenced, truth is removed. The ceasefire and hostage deal brokered in January offered a fragile, but real, hope to both Israelis and Palestinians and I am glad to hear the Government … serious talks to secure a comprehensive agreement. The United States has now reported that Israel has agreed in principle to a 60-day ceasefire. President Trump has urged Hamas to accept it, but detail remains uncertain and Hamas has yet to respond, although it has indicated willingness

enough to be shocked. If he is so shocked, what precisely is he going to do about it? Israel broke the ceasefire because it knows it can. It knows that there is no accountability, no sanctions or no push for justice. That is why Netanyahu brazenly states that … European Union continue on a path of appeasement. The conclusions of the European Council meeting, as regards Gaza, deplore the breakdown of the ceasefire. They talk about humanitarian aid and call for the full implementation of the ceasefire-hostage release agreement, as the Taoiseach has just done. What

Protect Journalists, CPG, began to collect data, Gaza has been the deadliest spot for journalists to work. Today we have a shaky ceasefire – a ceasefire that has come with 61,800 people having died in the past 15 months. We should always welcome an end to violence … lasting peace in the region, but when we see press conferences like the one we saw in the US yesterday, it feels the ceasefire is on shaky ground. This violence is generational. The stories the world has seen since 7 October, of families devastated from indiscriminate bombings

Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current status of Ireland's advocacy at EU level for a durable ceasefire and humanitarian access in Gaza; and whether the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Act 2026. remains on course

Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the need for an immediate ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, which is urgently required to prevent the Ebola outbreak spreading further and taking more lives

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current situation in Ukraine in relation to Russia’s war of aggression; the need for a ceasefire; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50287/26

with Spanish counterparts about their call to end the EU-Israel Association Agreement due to Israel’s violation of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and escalating violence in the West Bank; if she plans to support the Spanish call to break the EU-Israel Association Agreement

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade considering that Israel is continuously violating international law by breaking the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and escalating violence in the West Bank, as well as attacks on civilians in Lebanon and approval of the death penalty

Department's recent engagements with the government of Ukraine in relation to the ongoing conflict, and efforts made to reach a ceasefire. [8762/26

views on whether the resolution 2803 is delivering the adequate humanitarian response required in Gaza in conjunction with the 10 October 2025 ceasefire agreement; and if resolution 2803 will provide a path for Palestinian statehood and self-determination; and if she will make a statement on the matter

emergency meeting of both the United Nations Security Council and the United Nations General Assembly will be called so that a ceasefire and a plan for cooperation can be put in place without delay for the people and nation of Venezuela; and if she will make a statement

Department’s recent engagements with the government of Ukraine in relation to the ongoing conflict and efforts made to reach a ceasefire. [66753/25

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views and those of other EU ministers for foreign affairs in relation to post-ceasefire attacks in Gaza. [66462/25

provide an update on the ongoing conflict in Sudan, including the humanitarian impact on civilians, the status of diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire, and the supports Ireland is providing through humanitarian and development channels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66720/25

engaged diplomatically with the United States and other relevant parties to advocate and ensure the inclusion of the Ukrainian government in any ceasefire or peace negotiations for Ukraine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66728/25

Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in the context of the recent ceasefire, the steps Ireland is taking to pursue accountability over the genocide in Gaza, and the continued occupation of the West Bank; and if he will make a statement

Department’s recent engagements with the Government of Ukraine in relation to the ongoing conflict, and efforts made to reach a ceasefire. [57185/25

Sumud and Thousand Madleen vessels of the freedom flotilla to Gaza to discuss their experiences, and the urgent need for a sustained ceasefire and full humanitarian access to Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57135/25

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps the Government is taking to ensure a lasting ceasefire and a consistent flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza; if he will outline the commitments received from the European Union to apply pressure

Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update regarding visas for Palestinians in Gaza seeking resettlement in Ireland following the agreement of a ceasefire deal, including any changes to policy, procedure or relevant facts on the ground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56847/25

update on his Department's recent engagements with the Government of Ukraine regarding the ongoing conflict and efforts made to reach a ceasefire. [38033/25

Department's recent engagements with the Government of Ukraine in respect of the ongoing conflict and efforts made to reach a ceasefire. [27399/25

Department’s recent engagements with the Government of Ukraine in respect of the ongoing conflict and efforts made to reach a ceasefire. [15542/25

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline Ireland’s response to Israel breaking the ceasefire and launching new phase of aggression against innocent civilians living in Gaza and in southern Lebanon. [15540/25

with the European Union and the United States regarding the provision of arms and economic support to Israel following Israel’s breach of ceasefire in Gaza and escalating settler violence in the West Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15533/25

impose sanctions on Israel given the ongoing and worsening attacks in the West Bank and Gaza following the breach of ceasefire by Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15532/25

Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the additional sanctions against Israel is he proposing given that Israel broke ceasefire with Hamas and killed of over 800 civilians; if he is planning to cut trade ties with Israel; and if he will make

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on his Department’s engagements following the recent breaking of the ceasefire by the Israeli government. [15548/25