Tánaiste Micheál Martin has announced he is to travel to occupied Palestinian territory and Israel later this week. Martin, who is also Foreign Affairs Minister, will also travel to Egypt as part of the diplomatic visit.

Speaking at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels this morning, Martin said: “The situation in the region is at a critical point, with a catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and continued risks of regional escalation."

“I have been engaging intensively with regional counterparts since October 7 and will return to the region this week, following my visit in September, to continue that engagement.

Martin visited Israel and Palestine earlier this year, in hopes of renewing diplomatic progress towards a peace strategy, speaking with senior Israeli and Palestinian officials. During his trip Martin visited Beitunia Vocational School for Girls, an institution partly funded through Irish financial support to Palestine’s education system.

Micheál Martin in Palestine.
Photo: Micheál Martin Twitter

Martin emphasized Palestinian self-determination, declaring that the solution to the conflict must be on the basis of a fully sovereign Palestinian state. The Tánaiste also called on Hamas to cease violence, referencing the laying down of arms in the North of Ireland as a key moment in the peace process.

“In Egypt, I hope to meet with foreign minister Sameh Shoukry and secretary general of the Arab League, Aboul Gheit.

“In Israel, I plan to see foreign minister Eli Cohen and hope also to visit the south of Israel and the communities that were devastated by the October 7 attacks.”

Martin added that he is scheduled to meet foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki in the occupied Palestinian territory, adding he “hopes” to see Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

“I will be engaging in particular on the situation of Emily Hand, the eight-year old Irish-Israeli hostage, whose father Tom I will meet tomorrow in Dublin, as well as the situation of Irish citizens still in Gaza.”