Taoiseach calls for de-escalation in Middle East and a path to political solution

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said:

"The continued escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran would be a disaster in a region where so much death and destruction is already taking place.

"There must be an end to the tit-for-tat violence which is risking a wider regional conflict that would only cause even more suffering for civilians.

"Instead, all sides need to focus on ending the conflicts. We need a ceasefire in Gaza and hostage deal as well as a ceasefire in Lebanon and a surge in humanitarian assistance to those who are in desperate need.

"Only in these circumstances can we find the way to a political solution and path to a durable peace.

"I call on all sides to respect international humanitarian law. They are obliged to protect civilians. The ongoing attacks by Israel in Northern Gaza are clearly in violation of this obligation. We must see an end to the horrendous suffering of civilians in Gaza and Lebanon and ensure that there is full accountability for those responsible for what can only be considered war crimes.

"All actors in the region must pull back from any further escalation and we must have a ceasefire."

ENDS