'We need a humanitarian ceasefire': Taoiseach in Paris for conference on Gaza

Leo Varadkar will also talk to Middle East leaders in the French capital about how to assist Irish citizens wishing to leave Gaza safely

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “The situation in Gaza is critical."

The Taoiseach has arrived at an international conference on humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

Leo Varadkar will meet with Middle East leaders at the International Conference on Humanitarian Assistance for the Civilian Population in Gaza.

The goal of the conference, according to a statement, is to "mobilise the main actors involved in the humanitarian response in Gaza, including States, donors, international organisations and NGOs, and take concrete action to assist Palestinian civilians in the territory".

The Taoiseach says that he will seek to engage with leaders from the region on how to assist Irish citizens wishing to leave Gaza safely, and will hear from aid agencies working in the territory.

Speaking ahead of the conference, the Taoiseach said: “The situation in Gaza is critical. We urgently need a humanitarian ceasefire and a significant scaling up of humanitarian access and supplies to get vital aid to people there. I thank President Macron for convening this important conference because decisive action is needed.

“Leaders will discuss how we can better respond to the urgent humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza, particularly in terms of health, food, water, medicines and electricity. Ireland has already committed an additional €13m to help the people of Gaza, and we want to do more.

“I will engage with leaders from Europe, the Middle East and further afield to see how Irish citizens wishing to leave Gaza can do so safely. I will also meet with agencies working in Gaza, including UNWRA and the Red Cross, to hear first-hand about the situation.”