Press release
Statement: Tánaiste to visit Egypt, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territory
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, will travel to Egypt, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territory later this week, in light of the ongoing crisis in the region. Speaking at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels this morning, the Tánaiste said:
"The situation in the region is at a critical point, with a catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and continued risks of regional escalation. I have been engaging intensively with regional counterparts since 7 October and will return to the region this week, following my visit in September, to continue that engagement.
"In Egypt, I hope to meet with Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Secretary General of the Arab League, Aboul Gheit. In Israel, I plan to see Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and hope also to visit the south of Israel and the communities that were devastated by the October 7 attacks. In the oPt, I am scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister Malki and also hope to see Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas.
"I will be engaging in particular on the situation of Emily Hand, the 8-year old Irish-Israeli hostage, whose father Tom I will meet tomorrow in Dublin, as well as the situation of Irish citizens still in Gaza.”