Statement by the Tánaiste on announcement of Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire

"I welcome the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

"Both sides must use the ceasefire to engage meaningfully to achieve a durable peace.

"There must be a massive surge of humanitarian aid and assistance, along with progress towards a lasting political settlement and reconstruction and recovery for Lebanon.

"We also need to see communities on both sides of the Blue Line return to their homes in safety, and the security of UNIFIL peacekeepers serving in the region respected.

"Those with influence in the region, including Iran, should use it positively to support this agreement.

"A ceasefire in Lebanon highlights the urgent need for the violence in Gaza to stop.

"There must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and a massive scale-up of humanitarian assistance into Gaza."