The Taoiseach has said the Great Famine is a tragedy that "will never be forgotten" and the unfolding famine in Gaza "is repellent" to the Irish psyche.
Speaking at the National Famine Commemoration in Edgeworthstown, Co Longford, Simon Harris described the famine in Gaza as a "tool of war" and called on Israel to "step back and ensure the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid".
"This is the clear demand of Ireland, the international community and international law," he said.
Mr Harris said the Great Famine, also known as An Gorta Mór, was Ireland's "national tragedy" that has left "scars that never fully healed".
He added: "The tragedy was national, but the lessons are global.
"By showing empathy, compassion, and solidarity with those in need, we can ensure that the spirit of all those who died lives on in our efforts to create a just and humane world," Mr Harris added.
At the commemoration, the Taoiseach also drew upon tragic stories in Edgeworthstown during the 1840s, similar to those in every community across the country at the time.
The event paid tribute to all those who suffered or perished during the Great Famine and included a wreath-laying ceremony, music, prayers of remembrance and military honours.
Also speaking at the event, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht and Media Catherine Martin said the famine "left towns and communities across the country drained of life and laughter".
She added it "tore at the very fabric of our society by decimating communities that had been so tightly knit together".
Tributes were also paid to Maria Edgeworth, the renowned writer whose family founded the town and whose final novel - a children's book - was written to raise money for famine relief.
Ms Martin said: "While others of her class isolated themselves from this suffering on their doorstep and often exacerbated it, Maria Edgeworth rejected the dehumanising effects of this attitude and took action."
