Ireland calls for end to violence on first anniversary of October 7th attacks

Ireland has called for an end to violence on the first anniversary of the October 7 attacks.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said one year on from the Hamas attack, it remains “as horrific and shocking as when it took place”, adding: “We cannot, and we will not, ever forget.”

He repeated his call that “all remaining hostages must be released immediately and without conditions”.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin also condemned the attack on Israel, describing the “horror imprinted in our minds”.

However, he said it is “not possible to view this anniversary in isolation from the justifiable outrage at the death and destruction suffered by ordinary Palestinians” in Gaza in the past year.

The Tánaiste added that the violence must stop and a political process urgently start.

“I think today of the hostages still in Gaza and their families who desperately want them home. I call again for their immediate release,” he said.

“I recognise the hurt and…