
The Tánaiste says the Government has been in contact with 40 Irish citizens currently in Gaza.
Micheál Martin says arrangements are being made to evacuate them if they want to leave.
The Israelis are continuing to prepare for a ground operation into northern Gaza following a surprise attack by Hamas.
Aid could get into Gaza if the Rafah border crossing with Egypt opens, which it was expected to – but Hamas says there's no truth to those reports.
Deputy Martin says that crossing is a vital route for people, including the Irish citizens there, to get out: