The Minister for Foreign Affairs has expressed grave concern about the situation in the Middle East and has called on all sides to exercise restraint.
Mr Cowen also urged the early resumption of security talks to bring about an end to the escalating violence in the region.
He was speaking during a meeting to welcome the new Delegate-General of the Palestinian Authority to Ireland.
Mr Ali Ahmed Halimeh, who was previously the Palestinian representative to Tanzania and Zimbabwe, presented his letter of appointment to Mr Cowen today.
Mr Halimeh succeeds the late Dr Yousef Allan who died in January this year at his home in south Dublin.
The Minister also discussed his planned visit to the Middle East in September, during which he hopes to hold talks with representatives of the Palestianian Authority.
Mr Cowen said he looked forward to strengthening ties between Ireland and the Palestinian people.