Statement from the Tánaiste on Hamas attack on Israel

"I am horrified by the scenes that we have witnessed over the past few days. I again unreservedly condemn the attack by Hamas on Israel. The deliberate and systematic targeting of civilians can never be justified. The taking of hostages, including young children and the elderly is unconscionable. They must be released immediately.

"Yesterday, I wrote to Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen to express our deep condolences. I visited Israel, the occupied Palestinian territory and Jordan just one month ago. It is scarcely imaginable how the lives of so many people that I met during that visit will be irrevocably scarred by this violence.

"I am working closely with EU and international partners to contribute to addressing this crisis, including by speaking today with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki and with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Jordan, Ayman Safadi. I will discuss the situation with my EU counterparts in an emergency meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers tomorrow.

"These inhumane and senseless attacks have unleashed new horror upon innocent people in Israel and Gaza. Nothing could alleviate the heartbreak and outrage of those who have been affected by these events. We now have a moral and political obligation to chart a way towards a future in which these events cannot be repeated. This requires us to put protection of civilians at the heart of our objectives and to strive towards an international effort that can deliver a just and sustainable peace."