The continuing attacks by Israel on the Gaza Strip are “totally unacceptable” and in breach of international humanitarian law, the Labour Party said.
Party president and spokesman on foreign affairs Michael D Higgins said the level of destruction was “totally out of proportion to any sense of defence”.
“When this present assault ceases, it is clear that communities on the borders of Gaza must be free from attack, but the destruction of the most basic, even primitive, infrastructure in Gaza, and above all the loss of life, and the injuries inflicted on the inhabitants of Gaza, is totally indefensible.
“This action by Israel clearly exceeds even the most basic principles of proportional defence, and deserves condemnation by the international community.”
Mr Higgins said it was important that the EU engage directly “in a comprehensive way” and not just on the Gaza issue. He said Gaza was “but a part, and unviable part” of a Palestinian state.
“The international community has behaved in an indefensible way in relation to the development of a viable and durable resolution. A Palestinian state to be viable must be contiguous, and contain the associated social and economic elements of freedom that will enable its population to survive and develop.”
Mr Higgins said the approach of the so-called Middle East Quartet – comprising the UN, the US, the EU and Russia – had been “little less than a betrayal of such a project, switching on and off, depending on the latest assault and counter assault”.
“There needs now to be a sustained engagement with the involvement of all states in the region so as to construct a viable path to peace.”
In a homily at Mass to mark World Day of Peace, Archbishop of Dublin Dr Diarmuid Martin said:"Our thoughts and concerns, our apprehension and indeed our anger must today go in the first place to the Holy Land.
"We join with the prayers of people all around the world in the hope of an immediate ceasefire and of a renewed commitment by all parties, in the entire region and beyond, to create a climate of peace.
"How is it that with all our developments in humanity in our times, there are still attempts to think that peace can be achieved by violence and force of arms? How is it that weapons are poured in unlimited supply into a situation already tense while at the same time ordinary men and women in the same villages and towns cannot receive the aid necessary for their survival?"
Earlier this week, the Quartet urged "an immediate ceasefire that would be fully respected".
A statement issued by the UN called on all parties to address the serious humanitarian and economic needs in Gaza and to take necessary measures to ensure the continuous provision of humanitarian supplies.