In a statement, the Taoiseach said he was “deeply moved by the scenes of hostages held by Hamas for more than two long years finally being reunited with their families”.

“I pay enormous tribute to the patient work of all those who have brought us to this day, including the US, Qatar, Egypt and other partners,” Micheál Martin added.

“I am also thinking of the challenges faced by the people of Gaza as they return to their homes and the scale of devastation that they face.

“Along with a surge of humanitarian aid, we need to see immediate steps taken to support them and to provide the vital services they need as winter approaches.”

He continued: “The ceasefire agreement is the first step on a road to peace. All parties must adhere to it in full over the coming days and weeks.

“Now is the time to seize the momentum and to begin the task of building a just and lasting peace in the region, based on a two-state solution.

“We in Ireland know how long and difficult that journey can be, but we stand ready to assist in any way that we can.”

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen described the return of the hostages is “a moment of pure joy for those families and a moment of relief for the entire world”.

She said the EU was fully behind “the peace plan brokered by the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye” and would be prepared to provide “support on governance and for the reform of the Palestinian Authority”.

“We will provide EU funding for the reconstruction of Gaza,” she added.