Tánaiste Micheál Martin has called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, to allow humanitarian aid and supplies into Gaza in order to alleviate the "enormous" loss of life there.

Speaking to reporters on arrival at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg this morning, Martin said: "The suffering of innocent civilians, particularly children, is on a scale that requires an immediate cessation in our view, and the provision on an accelerated and comprehensive scale of water, food and medical supplies."

Micheál Martin in Palestine.
Photo: Micheál Martin Twitter

The Tánaiste said that it was of upmost importance to maintain a political track alongside humanitarian efforts, providing the security required for organisations to effectively intervene in the conflict.

"We understand Israel's need to deal with Hamas because it was an appalling attack [on 7 October], but the degree of suffering now, that innocent civilians in Gaza are suffering, is just not acceptable."

"That's why we believe a humanitarian pause is required to, at a minimum, get aid and supplies in there."

He said he had spoken to a number of regional foreign ministers, including Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

"The message I gave him was very clear: that we must all avoid regional escalation here, because it would be extremely serious if that was to occur," he said.

Martin said Iran will argue that it does not have influence over Hezbollah in Lebanon or Hamas in Gaza.

"The world views it differently and is of the opinion that they do..."