Statement by the Tánaiste on developments in the Middle East

It is time for the attacks and counter attacks by Israel and Iran to stop.

I repeat the urgent call for restraint and de-escalation following the aerial strikes by Israel on targets in Iran.

This follows large-scale missile attacks on Israel in April and earlier this month.

Innocent men, women and children on all sides have suffered far too much.

The implications for the region and beyond are far too serious for the world to ignore any more.

The priority must remain an immediate ceasefire, a hostage release deal and massive humanitarian aid into Gaza, and a ceasefire, humanitarian aid and political pathway in Lebanon.

I urge all involved to redouble their efforts to achieve this now. In particular, the attacks on northern Gaza must stop. What we are seeing unfold is beyond any moral compass.

It represents a collective punishment of the people. It has been described by one senior UN official as a crime against humanity.

We must let the international community and media into Gaza to bear witness to what is happening.