Harris reiterates call for ceasefire in Gaza after six hostages found dead

The Taoiseach has described the murder of six Israeli hostages in Gaza as an outrage.

Simon Harris reiterated his call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire following the discovery of the bodies of the six hostages in Rafah, southern Gaza, on Saturday.

Israel has said they were killed shortly before its forces reached the tunnel in which they were found.

The hostages have been named as Carmel Gat, 40, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, Alexander Lobanov, 33, Eden Yerushalmi, 24, Almog Sarusi, 27, and Ori Danino, 25.

In a statement, Mr Harris said: “The news from Israel on the deaths of six hostages is heartbreaking and an outrage.

“These innocent people were abducted and held by Hamas for nearly 11 months. Reports they were murdered in recent days are sickening.

“This is the latest outrage and atrocity in a year of bloody inhumanity. This violence and death cannot continue and every life that can be saved, must be saved.

“We need an immediate and lasting ceasefire. Ireland calls on Hamas and the (Israeli) Netanyahu government to make this a reality.

“All remaining hostages should be returned to their families and aid needs to flow freely to Gaza before the humanitarian catastrophe deepens.

“Ireland’s solidarity and sympathy are today with the families and the communities of the six innocent hostages confirmed dead.

“May their memories be a blessing.”