A “significant” number of Irish people have been evacuated from Gaza today, according to the Tánaiste.

Speaking in Egypt this morning, Micheál Martin said he would not give precise numbers “until everybody is over the border”.

It is understood around 40 Irish passport holders are currently in Gaza and attempting to leave – and between 20 and 30 have been given permission to leave through the Rafah Crossing today.

Speaking on his arrival in Egypt last night, the Minister Martin said he was ‘hopeful’ – but warned that the situation is still “very fluid”.

At a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart in Cairo today, he said the first group of Irish citizens was being processed at the Rafah Crossing.

“I’m not going to be precise on numbers until everybody is over the border and has come through the crossings but it is a significant number,” he said.

“There will be more that we have to work on behalf of, who are not in this first group.”

Good meeting with Egyptian FM Sameh Shoukry

We greatly appreciate Egypt’s help in the exit of our citizens from Gaza. Significant numbers are leaving through Rafah Crossing today

Also discussed the case of Emily Hand. Hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally pic.twitter.com/9mqcUHZtFF

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) November 15, 2023

Sinn Fein's foreign affairs spokesperson Matt Carty told Newstalk he hopes today will bring positive news.

“We welcome any developments in respect of Irish citizens or their families in Gaza,” he said.

“We hope that all citizens of Gaza who wish to leave are in a position to do so and of course we reiterate our call for the release of all hostages, in particular young Emily Hand.”

Irish

In a statement last night, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it understood that some Irish citizens may be listed for departure through the crossing today.

The Tánaiste is due to visit Egypt, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territory on his trip to the Middle East this week.

He said he would be “engaging in particular” on the situation with Emily Hand and the Irish citizens still in Gaza during the trip.

Minister Martin will meet his Israeli counterpart during the trip and also hopes to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.