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A broad coalition of politicians, trade unionists, anti-war activists and members of the Palestinian community in Ireland today called for thousands to join them in a demonstration this weekend protesting against Israeli's military assault on Gaza.

The protestors will gather in Dublin city centre on Saturday to urge the Government to break off diplomatic relations with Israel and press for the EU to suspend the process of upgrading of its ties with the country.

They are also calling for a blanket international boycott of Israel.

At a press conference today Labour TD Joe Costello, Mags O'Brien of Sitpu, artist Robert Ballagh, Daithí Doolan of Sinn Fein and Richard Boyd Barrett of the Irish Anti-War Movement were among those appealing for members of the public to join this weekend's demonstration.

The protestors plan to march past Dáil Eireann and on to the Israeli Embassy in Ballsbridge.

The Dublin rally will coincide with other demonstrations taking place worldwide.