President Michael D Higgins has said the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas is a "consequence of diplomatic failure" and that is a "dangerous position" for the world to be in.
Speaking in Rome, President Higgins said that one of the big differences between progress in Northern Ireland versus Palestine is that there has been no continuous diplomatic effort on Israel and Palestine.
"People have usually flashed in and flashed out. There is usually an American interest in the first two years of an American Presidency and after that you are relying on the Quartet," he said.
He added: "I don't judge but its results are there for itself. It hasn’t produced a meaningful continuous engagement with multiple options and proposals."
The President said that that it would be good if the current situation led to genuine international engagement.
He was speaking after a meeting earlier today with the Italian President Sergio Mattarella, where they discussed Gaza, Palestine and the humanitarian issues that arise.
They also discussed reform of the United Nations and the future of the European Union.
President Higgins restated comments he made last month at the National Ploughing Championships when he said the UN was losing credibility.
"The credibility of the UN is being damaged by some of the richest and most powerful who are not meeting their commitments and alienating so many people in the world who want a UN which is effective," he said.
He said it was important that the UN is reformed, adding that he is a supporter of its work.
