“At this very moment, bombs are raining down on the residential neighbourhoods of the city. There may be as many as 60 dead and 300 wounded."

Ongoing persecution is an issue that unites all Christians Bishop McAreavey tells Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Bishop Shomali makes urgent appeal for medical treatments and fuel for generators that supply hospitals.

Forty-five killed in Sadad as Irish Church to hold collection in aid of Trócaire's work in Syria.