Ireland reiterates 'urgent need' for cease-fire in Gaza, restrain in Middle East

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin on Monday urged restraint in the Middle East, calling an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.

During a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, Martin underlined the importance of restraint "on all sides at this time,” according to a statement by the Irish Foreign Ministry.

"I noted Iran's responsibility in this respect, urged it to use its influence positively, and restated the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and across the region," said Martin.

Israel has continued its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas last Oct. 7, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.

The onslaught has resulted in over 40,700 Palestinian deaths, mostly women and children, and over 94,100 injuries, according to local health authorities.

He added: "I stressed the need to avoid a spiral of violence into a regional war, which will serve no purpose and make achieving peace even harder."

Martin expressed that he made clear the EU stands ready to engage with Iran "if it is serious" about demonstrating a commitment to peace throughout the region.

Also discussing the war in Ukraine, the Irish foreign minister said he "urged Iran to cease its military support to Russia."