Statement by the Tánaiste on the situation in Lebanon

I am deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict over the last 24 hours and the growing risk of regional conflict.

The people of Lebanon continue to pay a shocking and heavy price for the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

What we need now is for all parties to step back, de-escalate and support efforts to reach a ceasefire.

I call on all parties, including Iran, to exercise maximum restraint, and those with influence to use it responsibly.

A wider conflict would be disastrous for all the peoples of the region.

We need to create space for a political and diplomatic solution and for urgent humanitarian assistance.

And we need to see an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza to allow humanitarian assistance at scale.

It is long past time for the violence and killing to stop.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, including through our Embassy in Cairo, remains in regular contact with Irish citizens in Lebanon. Our strong advice is that they should leave immediately by commercial means while it is still possible to do so.

Irish citizens in Lebanon who cannot leave, and who have not already done so, should register with the Embassy of Ireland in Cairo.

My Department has undertaken significant contingency planning with international partners to prepare for a possible consular crisis in Lebanon.

I am in regular contact with the Chief of Staff on the ongoing situation in the UNIFIL areas of operations.

Irish personnel continue to take shelter in secured positions when required, and all are currently safe and accounted for.

The Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to work closely with EU, UK and other partners to exchange information and coordinate our consular response.