Harris calls for end to violence on 7 October anniversary

The Taoiseach and Tánaiste have called for an end to violence in the Middle East on the first anniversary of the 7 October attacks.

Taoiseach Simon Harris condemned the attack on Israel carried out by Hamas, saying it remained as "horrific and shocking as when it took place",

He said: "We cannot, and we will not, ever forget.

"Neither can we ever tolerate a world in which civilians are systematically subjected to the most brutal violence in their homes, or in which vibrant and peaceful young people at a music festival are terrorised, murdered and abducted.

"They are despicable and criminal acts, beyond any sense of humanity or decency.

"I condemn them utterly and without hesitation."

Mr Harris repeated his call for all of the remaining hostages taken on 7 October 2023 to be released immediately and without conditions.

He paid tribute to families and friends of those murdered, particularly 22-year-old Kim Damti, the Irish-Israeli woman who died at the music festival.

The Taoiseach also paid tribute to Emily Hand who was held captive for 50 days by Hamas.

"We extend our very best wishes to Emily Hand and her family, and hope that her recovery continues.

"No child should ever have to experience what she went through.

"Those responsible for the acts of 7 October should be held accountable.

"We think also of the enormous loss of life and deep suffering that has marked the past year.

"Civilians' lives are of equal value. The suffering that comes from the loss of a loved one is the same, whoever we are."

"I wish peace, security and hope for the people of Israel, of Palestine and of the Middle East. We have a duty as leaders to honour the memory of those lost and to rededicate ourselves to creating a political process that can deliver a just and lasting peace," he added.

Tánaiste Micheal Martin also condemned the 7 October attack, describing the "horror imprinted in our minds".

However, he said it was "not possible to view this anniversary in isolation from the justifiable outrage at the death and destruction suffered by ordinary Palestinians" in Gaza in the past year.

The Tánaiste added that the violence must stop and a political process urgently start.

"I think today of the hostages still in Gaza and their families who desperately want them home. I call again for their immediate release," he said.

"I recognise the hurt and sorrow of the Israeli people, and of the Jewish and Israeli communities here in Ireland and throughout the world.

"I express our profound sympathy to all who are mourning loved ones brutally murdered, and think especially of the family and friends of Kim Damti.

"My thoughts are with Emily Hand and her family, wishing her continuing strength to overcome the trauma she and so many experienced.

"No young adult should be murdered attending a music festival. No young child should spend her ninth birthday in the hands of terrorists."

'The violence must stop' - Tánaiste

The Tánaiste continued: "It is not possible to view this anniversary in isolation from the justifiable outrage at the death and destruction suffered by ordinary Palestinians in Gaza over the past 12 months.

"Ireland's position is clear and on the record. The violence must stop.

"There must be an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal, and a massive scaling up of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.

"Our thoughts are with the Lebanese people. The level of death, destruction and displacement is shocking and unacceptable.

"We must act quickly to avoid further regional escalation and urgently revive a political process.

"The most effective rejection of terrorism and extremism and the greatest mark of respect to all who have suffered in this conflict is to redouble our efforts now to secure a lasting peace between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples."

Additional reporting PA