TD Paul Murphy among Irish people released after being detained in Egypt
Murphy was part of the Global March to Gaza attempting to march from Egypt to Gaza to demand aid be provided in the region amid Israel's ongoing blockade.
On Friday, he said his bus had been stopped and passengers' passports were taken by Egyptian authorities.
He added that they then had their phones taken and were forcibly removed after refusing to get on a bus.
He later managed to get a message to his social media team, saying: "Violence got worse after they seized my phone.
"One American woman in my group was badly kicked & beaten, and had her hijab torn off." 'Significant violence'
On Saturday, Tánaiste Simon Harris said that Irish citizens detained in Egypt, including Mr Murphy, had been released and had their passports returned.
"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," he said.
"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.
"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."
In a social media post on Saturday, Mr Murphy confirmed all Irish citizens had been released but added 'that's not the case for everybody'.
"Some of the thousands of others were subject to significant violence by the police, I witnessed some of it myself, and some people are still detained," he said in a video.
"Our focus remains on calling for an end to the blockade of Gaza and the forced starvation of the people in Gaza." 'Deeply concerned'
In his statement, Mr Harris added that he had spoken to Ireland's ambassadors to Israel, Iran and Egypt over the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
"I am pleased to say our embassy staff are safe and well," he said.
"This is a dangerous moment for the Middle East. I am deeply concerned about the continuing exchange of air attacks between Israel and Iran.
"I reiterate my call for both sides to urgently de-escalate, to open channels for communication and allow a return to diplomacy.
"Continuing military action will not bring security for any of the people of the region.
"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."
See More: Egypt, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Paul Murphy, Simon Harris
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
13 minutes ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Putin and Zelensky to meet, Donald Trump says following European leaders' summit
Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky will meet, Donald Trump has said following a White House summit with European leaders aimed at bringing an end to the war in Ukraine. The US president spoke directly with the Russian president to begin planning a meeting between the two warring leaders, which will then be followed by a three-way meeting involving himself. It comes after Mr Trump said Moscow will "accept" multinational efforts to guarantee Ukraine's security while hosting several European leaders including the Ukrainian President, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte. Posting on his Truth Social platform after the meeting, Mr Trump said he and the eight leaders discussed security guarantees before he called the Russian president. Russia's President Vladimir Putin. (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images) He described the meeting as "very good" and added: "During the meeting we discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, which guarantees would be provided by the various European countries, with a coordination with the United States of America. "Everyone is happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine. "At the conclusion of the meetings, I called president Putin and began arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between president Putin and president Zelensky. "After the meeting takes place, we will have a trilat which would be the two presidents plus myself." Before the White House talks, the US president said he would "probably" be able to find common ground with the leaders on a plan to ward off future attacks on Ukraine. He previously met with Mr Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday, where he declared there was "no deal until there's a deal" to end more than three years of fighting in eastern Europe. "The Alaska summit reinforced my belief that while difficult, peace is within reach and I believe, in a very significant step, President Putin agreed that Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine," Mr Trump said on Monday. "And this is one of the key points that we need to consider." United States President Donald Trump makes remarks as he participates in a Multilateral Meeting with European Leaders in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US. Picture date: Monday August 18, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Aaron Schwartz/PA Wire He later said: "We also need to discuss the possible exchanges of territory taken into consideration the current line of contact." Mr Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, had suggested measures similar to Nato's article five mutual defence provision – that an attack on one member is an attack on the entire bloc – could be offered by the US without Kyiv joining the alliance. "We were able to win the following concession: that the United States could offer article five-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in Nato," Mr Witkoff told CNN over the weekend, as he spoke about the Alaska summit. Future three-way talks "have a good chance" of stopping the conflict, the US president claimed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky participates in a Multilateral Meeting with European Leaders in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US. Picture date: Monday August 18, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Aaron Schwartz/PA Wire But the president appeared to share conflicting views on whether a ceasefire was necessary to stop the war. "I don't think you need a ceasefire," he had originally said, before later explaining that, "all of us would obviously prefer an immediate ceasefire while we work on a lasting peace". Mr Zelensky, whom Mr Trump greeted at the door of the West Wing with a handshake earlier in the evening, wore a black shirt with buttons and a black blazer to the meeting at the White House. His attire had appeared to become a point of irritation for Mr Trump during a previous meeting in February. Early in the meeting, the Ukrainian described the talks as "really good", saying they had been "the best" so far. Mr Zelensky said: "We are very happy with the president that all the leaders are here and security in Ukraine depends on the United States and on you and on those leaders who are with us in our hearts." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Extra.ie
13 minutes ago
- Extra.ie
WATCH: Volodymyr Zelensky has epic comeback for journalist complimenting his suit for White House meeting
After so much talk of him not wearing a suit to their last meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was ready and waiting for comments on his attire for his latest chat with US President Donald Trump at The White House. Host of Real America's Voice, Brian Glenn (who is dating congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene) had queried Zelensky's attire back in February, and apologised for the 'jibe' on Monday. Glenn remarked: 'First of all, President Zelensky, you look fabulous in that suit,' with Trump quickly adding to the Ukrainian President: 'I said the same thing. Remember? That's the one that attacked you last time. See? Now he's a nice guy.' Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump had a light-hearted moment when a journalist complimented the Ukrainian president for wearing a suit. @Stone_SkyNews spoke to him few moments before the Oval Office meeting — Sky News (@SkyNews) August 19, 2025 'I remember,' Zelensky replied, to which Glenn added: 'I apologise to you. You look wonderful.' However, Zelensky was ready for him and had the Oval Office in hysterics when he noticed that Glenn was wearing the same outfit as in February, remarking: 'But you are in the same suit. You see, I changed, you are not' This meeting seems to have been a much more pleasant one, with Glenn previously asking President Zelensky why he wasn't wearing a suit to the February meeting. WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 18: U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on August 18, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump is hosting President Zelensky in the Oval Office at the White House for a bilateral meeting and later an expanded meeting with European leaders to discuss a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. (Photo by) He even suggested that ' a lot of Americans have problems with you not respecting this office.' Zelensky had been wearing combat-style clothing, which the Ukrainian leader has worn almost exclusively since Russia's 2022 invasion. The February summit had been an explosive one, with Trump slamming Volodymyr Zelensky on social media afterwards, accusing the Ukrainian President of not being interested in achieving peace. The attack came after Zelensky said that peace with Russia 'is still very, very far away,' but this time, he said that he is ready to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
The Irish Sun
43 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
New blow for US tourist attack victim Stephen Termini sent ‘flying 20ft in air' as shock e-scooter crash details emerge
HEALTH HELL New blow for US tourist attack victim Stephen Termini sent 'flying 20ft in air' as shock e-scooter crash details emerge ATTACK victim Stephen Termini has been dealt a fresh blow — when he was sent flying after being hit by a car while riding an electric scooter. It's the latest disaster for Termini, who was left in a coma after being assaulted in Dublin in July 2023. 4 Dublin attack victim Stephen Termini has been dealt a fresh health blow back home Credit: Paul Sharp - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin 4 He was sent flying after being hit by a car while riding on an electric scooter Credit: Collect Advertisement 4 Stephen remains determined to return to Ireland to live Credit: Paul Sharp - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin But the Yank is convinced it was an 'angelic test' as he remains determined to return to Ireland. Termini is back in Buffalo in the US after his visa ran out here having spent from February to May, in Newport, Co Mayo. The American was flown over to Dublin by gardai as the third and final youngster was sentenced over the horror attack on Dublin's Talbot Street. Advertisement We revealed last week how that thug — who instigated the assault — has already been released from prison after serving less than six months of a 20-month sentence. Termini had planned to live out his remaining days in Mayo, where his ancestors are from, but could not get residency. He's now back renting in his native Buffalo and has to deal with these fresh health woes after being hit by the car. Speaking to The Irish Sun, Termini revealed: 'It was on a weekend a few weeks back. It was very hot and I was out later in the evening. Advertisement 'I was just coming back home from the grocery store. 'The landlord let me use a e-scooter and there was a lot of traffic in the area. 'I was on the sidewalk, not on the street. A guy driving in a car came off a freeway exit and didn't see me and hit me. US tourist battered in Dublin city speaks outside court as teen attacker jailed 'It was so hard I went flying 20 feet into the air. The joints of my thumbs from holding the thing and my whole left side got whacked pretty hard by this car. My leg got burned as well. 'Immediately I was surrounded by police. I felt like I was in the colosseum with the gladiators surrounding me.' Advertisement Termini suffered fractures to his hand and bruising to his body. He added: 'I had just spent $90 on food in the grocery store and it was left lying on the street in the scorching heat. It was a very strange experience. I have to think that was an angelic test.' FIGHT FOR LIFE Termini was left fighting for his life after being attacked while on holiday by three youths on Dublin's Talbot Street in July 2023. He was left with bleeds on multiple layers of his brain, a fractured skull and other serious injuries. He underwent emergency surgery which saved his eyesight in one eye at the Mater Hospital before spending two weeks in intensive care at Beaumont. Advertisement 'I was on the sidewalk, not on the street. A guy driving in a car came off a freeway exit and didn't see me and hit me." Stephen Termini But he miraculously survived and refuses to let the incident stain his view on the country. He said: 'All I think about is Ireland. Even when I'm on breaks at work, I read books about Ireland and that keeps me going. 'I get up, make a few dollars, put it in the bank until I save enough to get back to Ireland.'
