European Union foreign ministers are discussing the issue of sanctions against Russia for its involvement in Ukraine, as well as the latest situation in Syria, Iraq and the Middle East.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan was non-committal on a call by Fianna Fáil for Ireland to join Sweden in formally recognising Palestine as an independent state.
He said: "The Government has been a supporter of the Palestinian people for many years, we have a very proud record in that regard, from a political point of view and also on a humanitarian aid point of view.
"We are urging a two-state solution, which of course will involve the formal recognition of the state of Palestine.
"We cannot continue to have the cycle of construction, reconstruction, destruction and further reconstruction.
"It's important that all parties engage in a way that they haven't engaged in the past to ensure relief for the long suffering people of Gaza, and a recognition of the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel."
Asked about the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, Mr Flanagan said: "I regret very much and oppose the unilateral aggression in the settlements on the part of Israel."
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has criticised Israel for its continued building of settlements on land the Palestinians seek for an independent state and urged both sides to return to meaningful negotiations as soon as possible.
