The Labour Spokesman on Foreign Affairs, Mr Michael D. Higgins, has condemned the Israeli missile attack in Gaza, describing it as morally reprehensible and a clear breach of international law, writes Deaglán de Bréadún.
"Israel cannot expect to be regarded as a full member of the family of democratic nations when it engages in outrages such as the Gaza attack." Ireland "should be far more proactive in seeking support for an international initiative to find a lasting political solution and bring peace to the region," Mr Higgins said.
The role of the EU to date had been most disappointing: "Even at this late stage I would appeal the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Brian Cowen, to seek an urgent meeting of the EU Council of Ministers to examine the options open to the Union to promote a new peace initiative in the region," he said.