I am deeply saddened by the tragic news from Israel of the killing of six Israeli hostages held by Hamas in captivity.

My thoughts and solidarity, and those of the Irish people, are with the families of the six people who have been so brutally murdered, and with their communities and the Israeli people as a whole as they confront this terrible news.

The taking and holding of hostages is reprehensible and unconscionable in any and all circumstances.

Ireland has repeatedly condemned Hamas and others who have taken and continue to hold hostages for nearly eleven months. The suffering endured by these innocent captives and their families is difficult to imagine.

We have called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. I repeat this call again today.

The past eleven months have brought unspeakable death and suffering to the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. Too many families continue to face violence, death and destruction. It is past time for the killing and suffering on all sides to end.

We urgently need to see a ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages. Only this can bring an end to the violence and death, and enable the urgent and massive supply of aid to Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is truly catastrophic.