Families of those trapped in Gaza have been appealing for more help from the Irish Government to get their loved ones to safety.
Among those gathered at a press conference in Dublin today was the family of Irish citizen Zak Hania, who is in Gaza.
His wife Batoul Hania and their four sons left Gaza via the Rafah crossing last month and are now back in Ireland.
Mrs Hania described the journey from Gaza City to the Rafah crossing as "hell" with the "smell of dead bodies, queueing in hot sun and soldiers putting rifles in the faces of our children".
She spoke about her heartbreak at having to leave her husband behind - despite him being an Irish citizen his name was not included in the list of those who could leave.
Mrs Hania pleaded with the Irish Government to do more to reunite her children with their father.
Separately, a mother-of-three spoke of her children's distress at being separated from their father for 74 days now.
"I know we're not an Irish citizen and we don’t have the same rights, but I’m begging anyone who can help my daughter see her father again," she said.
She said her 12-year-old daughter is autistic and has a very close relationship with her father.
Another woman spoke about her sister, who is 29 weeks pregnant, stranded in Gaza with no access to proper medical treatment.
She became emotional saying her sister had previously had complicated pregnancies which required c-sections and she is worried what will happen now.
People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett said he has been contacted by around 20 families with relatives trapped in Gaza who are terrified for their lives and safety and has heard of dozens of others.
He called on the Irish Government to take "urgent emergency action" to help these families.
Govt not in control of who leaves Gaza - Martin
Meanwhile, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs has defended efforts to try to get Irish citizens out of Gaza, saying the Government not in control of who gets out.
"We don't get to write the list," Micheál Martin said. "The bottom line is Israel does have a very strong, determined say as to who leaves.
"The Egyptians also play a role, their role is more on the receiving side ... we are not in control of who eventually gets out, we make representations, we do everything we can to get Irish citizens and their dependents out."
He said they were originally told by Egyptian authorities that only Irish citizens could leave but that was extended to children and spouses following representations.
He said it was very tragic for those left behind but the Government had not been given reasons as to why they were excluded, but he said Irish authorities are still working on their cases.
Mr Martin said he had met the family of Mr Hania and the Government had worked hard the case and is still working on it
The Tánaiste also took issue with comments made by Mr Boyd Barrett on RTÉ's Morning Ireland that the Government was only giving general responses.
Mr Martin said that was "not particularly helpful" and accused Mr Boyd Barrett of trying to drive a wedge, for political purposes, between the Government and genuine Palestinians and Irish citizens who are trying to get out.
The Tánaiste repeated his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and an end to the blockade of Gaza.
Additional reporting Sandra Hurley
