Tanaiste Signs Joint Statement Calling On Israel To Show Restraint In The War In Gaza

It comes as Israel prepares to ramp up its campaign against Hamas, with plans which could see it take control of the entire enclave.

Tanaiste Simon Harris has issued a joint-statement with the foreign ministers of Iceland, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia and Spain to express their "grave concern" about a further military escalation in Gaza.

They're also calling for Israel to lift the blockade on humanitarian aid, which has been in place for more than two months.

The joint-statement is warning Israel's plans to take over the territory, would mark a "dangerous new escalation."

The statement comes as hospital officials in Gaza say Israeli strikes have killed at least 48 people, including women and children.