Statement by the Tánaiste on the situation in Gaza

"We have witnessed appalling scenes from Gaza again today. Further Israeli airstrikes and a new ground operation have brought fresh suffering to the people of Gaza and have breached the ceasefire.

"A return to hostilities is disastrous for the people of Gaza, and for the hostages and their families.

"Humanitarian aid into Gaza must resume immediately. UN and other humanitarian workers must be protected at all times as they carry out their lifesaving work. Attacks on UN facilities are a violation of international humanitarian law.

"The international community cannot accept this step backwards. We need an urgent end to hostilities. I urge all parties to return to talks aimed at implementing the second phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal. This means meeting their commitments in full, leading to a release of all hostages and a resumption of humanitarian aid at scale."