Ireland joins call to EU  leaders for immediate lasting ceasefire to allow aid reach Gaza

Letter signed by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and leaders of Belgium, Spain and Malta said only a ceasefire would help innocent civilians receive necessary humanitarian aid including water, food, medicine and fuel

Letter calls for 'unhindered humanitarian aid' to reach Gaza. Picture: AP/Ohad Zwigenberg

Ireland has joined three other countries in calling for an urgent, lasting humanitarian ceasefire "that can lead to an end of hostilities" in Gaza, ahead of a meeting between European Union leaders later this week. 

A letter signed by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and leaders of Belgium, Spain and Malta — seen by the Irish Examiner — said only a ceasefire would help innocent civilians receive necessary humanitarian aid including water, food, medicine and fuel.