Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I recognise that causalities are overwhelmingly on the Palestinian side. I agree with Deputy Mac Lochlainn that it is not credible or possible, however, to address this issue as if only one side were engaged in attacks, something some others have suggested this afternoon. We recognise, as we must, that firing is going on in both directions and that both sides need to stop.

Having spoken directly with the Egyptian foreign Minister over the weekend, I was pleased his initial proposal elicited a positive response from the Israeli Government and there was, for a time yesterday, in effect a ceasefire on the part of the Israelis. Unfortunately, however, this was rebuffed by Hamas.

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