The Israel-Hamas conflict will be the focus of the meeting.
The safety of Irish troops in Lebanon and Syria is expected to be raised at a meeting of EU leaders today.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas will be the focus of an extraordinary European Council meeting.
There are fears the fighting could spread in the region and impact areas where Irish troops are deployed.
Kildare South Independent TD Cathal Berry, who is a retired soldier, says they are well prepared for challenging situations:
Deputy Berry says there is an experienced team in place in Lebanon:
Efforts are continuing to evacuate 40 Irish citizens from Gaza.
The Government is working with agencies to help get aid in through the Rafah crossing, and get those who want to leave out.
The Tánaiste refused to comment this morning on the criticism of Ursula von der Layen's remarks about the Middle East by President Michael D Higgins.
But Micheál Martin did say his department is working on getting the crossing to Egypt open:
The US president will travel to Israel tomorrow to meet with prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Joe Biden is set to use the visit to reaffirm solidarity with Israel and hear what the country needs to defend its people, as well as how Israel’s expected ground operation against Hamas in Gaza will aim to minimise civilian casualties.
He has also deployed two aircraft carrier groups to the region.
Sky's US correspondent James Matthews says President Biden's trip to Israel is a significant development:
US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken says the president will express America's solidarity with Israel and its "iron-clad commitment" to the country's security:
The Palestinian militant group Hamas has claimed they've taken 250 people hostage since the current conflict began.
The presence of hostages in the Gaza strip has complicated Israel’s plans for a ground invasion, which is expected imminently.
Hamas has threatened to kill them if civilian homes are bombed by Israel without warning.
Hostage negotiator Dr. James Alvarez says it's difficult to know how many will get out alive:
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