The Government and aid agencies called on the public today to give more generously to appeals for the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.
Hundreds of thousands of Lebanese families have fled their homes in the 24-day offensive, which has killed over 900 Lebanese people and around 70 Israelis.
Minister of state for development co-operation and human rights Conor Lenihan today met Christian Aid, Concern, Dochas, Oxfam, Red Cross, Trocaire, Unicef Ireland and World Vision at Iveagh House.
The Government, which has already allocated €2 million in official aid, called on the public to give more generously to public appeals.
Mr Lenihan said: "Internationally so far there has been a slow response to this crisis because I think people perceive it in political conflict terms but there is an urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
"The public infrastructure is the biggest problem with hundreds of thousands of people huddled into badly-maintained camps There is a real danger according to the UN of diseases like cholera breaking out."
Mr Lenihan said the Government would continue with political and diplomatic efforts to ensure all possible humanitarian corridors will be left open for the safe delivery of aid.
Unicef Ireland said it has received only €50,000 in response to its public appeal begun more than two weeks ago.
Deputy director Thora Mackay said: "To date we've raised €50,000 which is a lot less than we would have raised in the same period of time for the Niger food crisis.
Meanwhile Irish Muslims groups urged the Government to use all its influence within the European Union to halt the conflict.
Several Islamic organisations issued a joint statement at a press conference in Dublin expressing anger and outrage at the escalating violence as reports came in of another 25 civilians killed in the latest bombardment.
A short time earlier, Green Party leader, Trevor Sargent TD, demanded the Dail urgently reconvene to put together a humanitarian aid package and step up efforts for an end to the attacks in the Middle East.
He said Ireland bore some responsibility in the crisis for allowing weapons to be transported through Shannon Airport. Dr Nooh Al-Kaddo, director of the Islamic Cultural Centre, in Clonskeagh, said Irish people have been very supportive during the past 35 days of attacks but the Government could do more.
"Their moves have been positive but we are expecting much better. We want to see them push for an immediate ceasefire in the region," he said. "Through the European Union we have a voice, we have a good standing there, we can use it and we can push for peace. They are not pushing enough for this issue."
In a statement, the Islamic Cultural Centre, Islamic Foundation of Ireland, Muslim Association of Ireland, Cork and Galway Islamic societies, Palestinian Right Institute and the Federation of Student Islamic Societies said the EU had failed to take a clear stand on the conflict.
"Furthermore, the events show the complete failure of the United Nations as an organisation for peace, security and justice. The UN instead has become the tool to the hands of the aggressors and those supporting them," it said.
The groups also condemned the British government for "supporting and allowing these weapons of mass destruction to be delivered through UK to Israel".
Mr Sargent said there was a moral imperative on the Dail to develop a diplomatic response to the situation as a matter of urgency.