Tánaiste Micheál Martin has strongly condemned recent Hamas attacks on Israel

By Noah Murray

Following surprise attacks on Israel by Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas on Saturday morning, Tánaiste Micheál Martin has spoken out in condemnation of the attacks and reiterated his support of the de-escalation of the violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Tánaiste Martin concluded a three-day visit to the Middle East last month which was centred around trying to renew progress towards an end to the constant tension between the two states.

In his visit Tánaiste Martin met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and visited many historic locations including Yad Vashem, Israel’s official Holocaust memorial. He also met with King Abdullah II of Jordan and expressed how Jordan could be a valuable part of a potential peace process.

The visit unfortunately did not result in any substantial progress towards a settlement and Tánaiste Martin was pessimistic about much change in the conflict happening soon due to the lack of engagement from both sides.

As of October 7th 2023 Prime Minister Netanyahu has confirmed Israel is at war and the Israeli military has mobilised thousands of troops in preparation for further conflicts.

In response to the Hamas attacks which left around 1,700 Israelis wounded, Israel responded with waves of air strikes on Gaza which Hamas controls.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been going on for decades and once again it appears any chance for negotiation of peace will be a long way away.