Taoiseach Michéal Martin has welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas which was agreed overnight.
The US-brokered deal will see a pause to fighting in Gaza to allow for the remaining hostages to be freed in the coming days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
It has been reported that Hamas intends to release all 20 living hostages in a matter of days, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza.
Read more: Israel and Hamas agree to peace deal as hostages and prisoners set for release
It would also allow for the entry of additional aid into Gaza.
President Trump said that the latest ceasefire deal is the first step towards a “strong, durable and everlasting peace”, however details remain unclear around other parts of his administrations’ peace proposals.
Issues such as the potential disarmament of Hamas and the future governance of Gaza.
Reacting to the news on Thursday morning, Taoiseach Michéal Martin urged “all sides to fully abide” by the new ceasefire.
“I welcome the announcement of a ceasefire agreement and hostage release deal in Gaza,” he said.
“I urge all sides to fully abide by this ceasefire and for the release of all hostages, and an immediate surge of humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine.
I welcome the announcement of a ceasefire agreement and hostage release deal in Gaza.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 9, 2025
I urge all sides to fully abide by this ceasefire and for the release of all hostages, and an immediate surge of humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine. (1/2)
“I commend the diplomatic efforts by the US, and partners across the region and call on all sides to work towards a permanent and just peace.
“The war and the killing must stop.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris added that the ceasefire was a “critical moment that can see an end to the war”.
“This historic moment, if grasped by all, can finally end the unconscionable human suffering,” he said.
“It can stop the dreadful bombing, silence the guns, end the famine and genocide, and allow a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
“My thoughts today are with the people of Gaza, who have suffered so much, and with the hostages and their families.
“Ireland stands ready to assist in every practical way to achieve peace and to end human suffering.”
Mr Harris added that the road ahead would be “challenging” but that progress towards a two-state solution is an “opportunity that must be grasped”.
An estimated 67,000 people in Gaza have been killed by Israel in retaliation for the October 7 attacks two years ago, in which Hamas killed 1,200 and abducted 251 people.
Israel’s offensive has displaced around 90% of Gaza’s population of some two million, often multiple times, and restrictions on humanitarian aid have contributed to a severe hunger crisis, with experts saying Gaza City is experiencing famine.
