Statement by the Tánaiste on the anniversary of the 7 October 2023 terrorist attacks

Today marks two years since the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas and other groups on Israel on 7 October 2023.

I think of those indiscriminately and brutally killed on that terrible day, the many more hurt and injured, and of the hostages still being held captive in Gaza by Hamas and other terrorist groups. Their pain and anguish, and that of their families and loved ones, is unimaginable.

I reiterate my full solidarity with them and our unequivocal condemnation of Hamas.

The unconditional and immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas is an absolute imperative.

I think especially today of Emily Hand and her family, and the friends and family of Kim Damti.

I am deeply aware of the enduring trauma that was inflicted on Israeli society, and on Jewish and Israeli communities here in Ireland and around the world, on 7 October, as well as concerns around increasing antisemitism globally. This must never be minimised.

The cycle of violence that has beset Israelis and Palestinians for too long has continued over these terrible years.

For the people of Gaza, the anguish continues. Over 66,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza during the war and more than 168,000 have been gravely injured. Hundreds of thousands of Gazans have been displaced. Their homes, their homeland, have been destroyed. Hunger stalks their land. Their loss is inconceivable.

Irish people are shocked and reeling, as are so many others around the world, in the face of such unconscionable suffering and brutality.

A window now exists to end this unimaginable suffering, for both Israelis and Palestinians. To halt the violence, return the hostages to their families and get urgently needed humanitarian aid into Gaza at scale.

Ireland urges all who can make this a reality to seize the opportunity to bring an end to conflict and work towards a long overdue and desperately needed peace deal.

The events of the past two years must serve as an urgent reminder of the enduring need for a sustained and peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A political resolution is the only way to a lasting peace.