Irish citizens held in Egypt including TD Paul Murphy released
Tánaiste Simon Harris spoke to Ireland's Ambassadors to Israel, Iran and Egypt over the rising tensions in the Middle East this morning.
The TD was one of a number of people who were detained and had their passports confiscated while travelling through Egypt on the way to Gaza on Friday.
Mr Murphy flew to Cairo on Thursday and set off towards Gaza on Friday.
The group is part of the Global March to Gaza, which is attempting to reach Rafah in the embattled Gaza Strip.
However, even though all Irish citizens have been released, some of them have still not had their phones returned.
'I spoke directly to Deputy Murphy to confirm he and other Irish people have been released from detention, had their passports returned and were receiving consular assistance,' said the Tánaiste.
'The wellbeing and safety of all Irish citizens abroad is always of concern to me and to my Department. I am aware some Irish citizens have not had their phones returned by the authorities and I have asked our embassy to pursue this.
'I am pleased that following the work of our embassy staff, all Irish people who were detained yesterday in Rafah have been released and have had their passports returned.'
The Department of Foreign Affairs has now changed its travel advice warning Irish citizens to not travel to Israel or Iran.
The Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister said both sides should 'urgently de-escalate' after Israel and Iran targeted each other with missiles and airstrikes this morning.
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'I reiterate my call for both sides to urgently de-escalate, to open channels for communication and allow a return to diplomacy,' said Minister Harris.
'Our Embassies are in close contact with members of the Irish community to offer assistance. We are also working closely with our European counterparts in relation to the situation that is unfolding.
'My Department continues to advise against all travel to Iran and Israel for Irish citizens.
'Irish citizens in the region are advised to be vigilant and to follow the advice of local authorities, including any orders to shelter in place.'
Mr Murphy's partner, Councillor Jess Spear, said 'It is a relief to hear that Paul and the others in his group have been released and are ok.
"However, they still want to reach Rafah to try and get humanitarian aid into Gaza. That has been the sole purpose of being in Egypt.
'Paul has appealed to Tánaiste Simon Harris to put pressure on the Egyptian authorities to let the marchers reach Rafah. The situation of the people of Gaza worsens by the day as they suffer starvation imposed by Israel. We need to get humanitarian aid to them as quickly as possible'.
Demonstrators from 80 countries planned to march to Egypt's border with Gaza to spotlight the deepening humanitarian crises facing Palestinians since Israel began blocking aid trucks from entering the coastal enclave in March.
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