Taoiseach Micheál Martin has not ruled out the possibility of Ireland deploying peacekeeping troops to Gaza in the wake of the ceasefire deal that has been declared.
Speaking ahead of this morning’s cabinet meeting outside Government Buildings, the Taoiseach was asked if Ireland would contemplate sending troops in to ensure peace in the region.
He replied that “We’ll wait and see.”
“It is my understanding that there are other countries who have already indicated that they would be sending military into Gaza as a transitionary force to help assist in the governance of Gaza,” he said.
He added that Ireland has “certain expertise” that the country would consider making available “if requested” in a “step-by-step process”.
“I think what’s very important right now is humanitarian aid into Gaza,” he said.
“There are quite a number of Irish people walking through UN agencies to assist in getting aid in. And I think that would be the first focus. And then reconstruction.
“You know, I have said before that the last time I was in the Middle East before October 7th, because we weren’t allowed into Gaza by the Israeli authorities at the time, and we wanted to open a wastewater treatment camp that France and Ireland had funded.”
He added: “That’s the type of thing I’d like to see Ireland involved in.”
The Taoiseach said there was an “urgent need” for such facilities.
“There’s an urgent need for wastewater treatment, better quality drinking water, all of that,” he said.
“And I think, you know, civil engineering point of view, construction and so on and so on, these are areas where Irish expertise could, along with our characters in Europe and across the world, make a significant contribution.”
After more than two years of conflict, Israel and Hamas have reached a preliminary peace accord featuring a ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner and hostage exchange. Under the agreement, the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages held in Gaza were released and returned to Israel.
In exchange, Israel freed around 250 Palestinian prisoners, along with approximately 1,700 Gazans detained since the conflict began.
As part of the truce, Israeli forces will withdraw from much of Gaza to a designated line, maintaining control over roughly 53% of the territory. Humanitarian corridors will be opened to allow the delivery of aid and the start of reconstruction efforts.
The United Nations has described the deal as a significant step toward Palestinian self-determination and has called on both parties to ensure full compliance and accelerate rebuilding and governance plans.
Nevertheless, major challenges remain. Disputes persist over the future governance of Gaza, the disarmament of militant groups, oversight of aid distribution, and the recovery of the bodies of deceased hostages.
Despite the ceasefire, sporadic violence has continued, with at least 27 people being killed in heavy fighting between Hamas security forces and armed members of the Dughmush clan in Gaza City over the weekend.