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The Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin has strongly condemned the devastating air strikes in Gaza.

Mr Martin urged Israel to immediately halt its attacks and allow humanitarian agencies access to the Hamas-controlled Palestinian territory.

“I condemn in the strongest terms Israel’s action in launching air strikes in Gaza against Hamas targets which have resulted in widespread civilian fatalities,” he said.

“These actions, far from ending the cycle of violence which has gripped both Gaza and southern Israel in recent weeks, are unfortunately only likely to escalate the situation and make the search for an effective ceasefire in Gaza even more difficult.”

Mr Martin also condemned the firing of rockets into Israeli territory.

“The people of southern Israel have as much entitlement to live in peace and security as do the population of Gaza,” he said.

“Ireland will support all international efforts to de-escalate the situation in Gaza and help re-establish an effective ceasefire.

“In this regard, I would like to acknowledge the considerable efforts which the government of Egypt has been making.”