The Taoiseach said the ‘deploring and shocking’ bombings of Gaza have led to the deaths of ‘so many innocent people’.

Irish deputy premier Simon Harris said the party’s decision would not help any Palestinians.

Mr Harris, who is also foreign affairs minister said he was “alarmed and concerned” at the language used in recent hours about the conflict in the Middle East

Protesters marched to Leinster House for a rally on Saturday afternoon

It comes as villages in south Lebanon and north Gaza have been told to evacuate by the Israeli military.

It comes as Palestinian medical officials said that an Israeli strike in Gaza had killed a family of eight.

Large red banners were stretched around a square in Dublin to symbolise US President Joe Biden’s ‘non-existent red line’ in relation to Gaza.

The protesters called for an end to the killing of women and children in Gaza and criticised US support for Israel.

It comes after some Palestinians had been accepted for scholarships but could not afford to travel to Northern Ireland.

Simon Harris made the comments as Ireland moves towards recognition of Palestinian statehood.

The Tanaiste called for ‘a sense of perspective’ about the number of employees the UNRWA allegations relate to.

Opposition parties criticised its decision to await the preliminary findings from the International Court of Justice

‘The Taoiseach needs to act now on behalf of the Irish people,’ the Sinn Féin leader said.

Leo Varadkar said he will urge fellow EU leaders next week to agree a joint call for a renewed ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

Israel’s ambassador to Ireland, Dana Erlich, has dismissed comments made last week by Israeli heritage minister Amichai Eliyahu that Palestinians should "go to Ireland or the desert"