It is unacceptable that trucks carrying Irish aid for Gaza are being prevented from entering the region by Israel, the Tanaiste has said.

Four trucks carrying Irish-funded supplies are among those which Israel have halted from travelling to Gaza from Jordan.

Speaking before a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Simon Harris said he would be updating his Government colleagues on the matter.

He said he was “tracking very closely” developments in relation to humanitarian aid in Gaza.

“It is not an acceptable situation that humanitarian aid cannot now access Gaza when there’s such a massive humanitarian catastrophe under way there,” he added.

“There are four trucks funded by Ireland waiting in Jordan to get into Gaza with crucial supplies, including food and it’s absolutely vital that that aid is allowed to flow.

“We’re continuing to work at every level possible to ensure that the ceasefire holds and that the aid can flow, and of course, that the hostages can be released.”