Minister Flanagan welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, TD, has welcomed the announcement this evening of a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel.

Minister Flanagan stated:

“I very much welcome the announcement this evening of a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel, which has reportedly been agreed by both sides. I commend also the Egyptian and Palestinian authorities who have been crucial in reaching this understanding.

“We have been disappointed before, but there seems real hope that this agreement could finally end a terrible chapter of violence and terror for people especially in Gaza, and also in Israel, which everyone in Ireland has watched with horror and frustration. Despite these earlier setbacks, I have been encouraged by recent signs that both sides were seeking an end to this confrontation.

“Our first imperative has of course been an end to the immediate conflict, but I have also stressed throughout the need for a long term political solution. This disastrous cycle of violence will only recur if there is no political effort to resolve the problems that lie behind it. It is incumbent on leaders on all sides to exercise their responsibilities to chart a new path that brings safety and security to all their people, and to face up to the difficult choices this may require.

“While there is an obligation on both sides to reach an accommodation, it is also the responsibility of the international community to be proactive in facilitating a long term solution.

“The Irish Government remains committed to a two-state solution; with a viable Palestinian state and a secure Israel.”