‘Finally released', says Paul Murphy as Irish citizens detained in Egypt on march to Gaza ‘safe & well' after let go
SEVERAL Irish citizens who were detained on a march through Egypt to Gaza have been released, the Tanaiste has confirmed.
Simon Harris also expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East after
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Simon Harris confirmed that the detained Irish citizens in Egypt have been released
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Paul Murphy was one of the detained citizens during the march to Gaza
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Gaza is experiencing a famine as humanitarian aids are cut off from Palestinians
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Foreign Affairs Minister
He said he had been briefed on developments and all embassy staff are 'safe and well'.
Harris called for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy, adding: 'This is a dangerous moment for the
He also spoke with a politician who has been released from detention in
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People Before Profit TD
The opposition politician said his phone and passport were confiscated before he and others were put on a bus to
Deputy Murphy and party representatives urged Tanaiste Harris and the Department of Foreign Affairs to intervene.
All Irish people who were detained have since been released, but some have not had their phones returned.
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In a statement today, Deputy Murphy said: 'We were finally released late last night at airport. Police still have our phones.
'We are back in Cairo and meeting shortly to decide next steps. We're focused on
Shocking moment thousands of Gazans overrun US-backed aid site as 'shots fired'
'Thanks for your support. Free
Fine Gael leader Harris said: '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.
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'I spoke directly to Deputy Murphy to confirm he and other Irish people have been released from detention, had their
'I am aware some Irish citizens have not had their phones returned by the authorities and I have asked our embassy to pursue this.'
'GET HUMANITARIAN AID INTO GAZA'
Deputy Murphy's partner, councillor Jess Spear, expressed 'relief' that the group had been released from detention.
She said: '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.
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'Paul has appealed to Tanaiste 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
'We need to get humanitarian aid to them as quickly as possible.'
EMBASSIES REMAIN CLOSED
Minister Harris said embassies remain in close contact with members of the Irish community to offer assistance, adding that his department is working closely with
'My department continues to advise against all travel to
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'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.'
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Conflicts are escalating in the Middle East as Israel and Iran have launched strikes on each other
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