The European Council has tonight called for an immediate humanitarian pause in the Middle East leading to a sustainable ceasefire.
The Council also called for the unconditional releases of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian assistance.
After discussions among EU leaders, the council voiced deep concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and its disproportionate effect on civilians particularly children.
Its conclusions said there was an imminent risk of famine caused by the insufficient entry of aid into Gaza.
The Council's President Charles Michel said safe humanitarian access into Gaza is essential to provide the civilian population with life-saving assistance.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar welcomed the agreement.
"It's good that we finally have unanimous agreement at EU level on Gaza. Collectively, we condemned Hamas’s terrorist actions, called for a ceasefire, rapid access of humanitarian aid to relieve the suffering of the civilian population in Gaza, the release of hostages, an end to the expansion of illegal settlements, and a two-State solution.
"We now have a common position very much in line with the public position of the Irish Government," he said
Commenting on his decision to stand down as Taoiseach in the coming weeks, he said it all had not sunk in yet, but his partner was very happy.
He refused to be drawn on the race in Fine Gael to succeed him but said that while a contest to elect a new leader can be beneficial for debate it is not essential.
Mr Varadkar also said he had not made a decision on whether he will run for the Dáil again.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr Varadkar said there must be a strong, united EU voice on the crisis in the Middle East.
He said he will repeat Ireland's message that the people of Gaza cannot be subject to collective punishment for the appalling crimes of Hamas, and call for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and a massive increase in aid.
"Israel must not launch a ground offensive in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians have fled for safety.
"Recent initiatives to get more aid into Gaza by sea and by air are essential, but it’s vital that more aid is allowed into Gaza by road to end the looming famine.
"Aside from an immediate ceasefire, the best chance we have for peace and justice is if the US and Europe lead a process towards a two-State solution resulting in a Palestinian State," Mr Varadkar said.
