Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has condemned "appalling" surprise attacks by Hamas and called for an end to hostilities.
Mr Varadkar called for the fighting to stop "immediately" and Ireland condemns the attacks on civilians "unequivocally".
"The firing of rockets by Hamas and the loss of life in fighting is appalling, as is the impact on people going about their daily lives." he said on X.
"We condemn attacks on civilians unequivocally. The fighting should stop immediately"
Tánaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheál Martin also descried the attack by Hamas on Israel as "appalling attack" - and urged all involved to "de-escalate" the situation as soon as possible.
Speaking to RTÉ News at a Fianna Fail event in Dublin city this evening, the Minister for Foreign Affairs said what happened was "shocking".
Mr Martin said the attack was "clearly in breach of international law" and that Israel has the "right to self defence".
However, he said this must be done in a "proportionate way" and that "I fear for the people of Gaza".
"It's important that the voice of moderation emerges in all of this. It's important we do not endure any further loss of life," he said.
Mr Martin said the situation in the region has been "deteriorating rapidly", noting settlement expansion and the "lack" of apparent desire for a political solution.
However, he said while this may be the case there is "no basis at all for the brutal attack".
The Tánaiste said the "loss of lives must be stopped at all costs" and that his concern is that "hardliners are gaining in influence".
Mr Martin also agreed the situation means there is a risk of rising tensions in South Lebanon, where a number of Irish defence forces personnel are based, and noted the "influence" of Iran in the region.
Asked if what happened today has reduced Ireland's position that we recognise Palestine as an independent State, Mr Martin said it "remains the view" of Government that "a two State solution is the only rational" solution.
Mr Martin also said his department has "activated an emergency response team" to help Irish citizens in Israel, and that in addition to a travel warning has said any Irish citizen in Israel should contact the Irish embassy.
In a statement this afternoon, the Department of Foreign Affairs said that it is "closely monitoring situation in Israel & the occupied Palestinian territory" through its embassy in Tel Aviv and its Representative Office in Ramallah.
"Our HQ team are providing support to Irish citizens. Anyone with concerns can contact DFA on 01-4082000," the statement said.
"We urge Irish citizens in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory to follow the advice of our embassy."
It added that Irish citizens should avoid non-essential travel and register with embassy.
The United States said it "unequivocally" condemned attacks by "Hamas terrorists".
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Defence, Matt Carthy TD, has appealed for an urgent end to hostilities.
He has called on the international community to intervene.
He said that Hamas must stop its attack on Israeli civilians and military targets, and that Israel must stop what he described as a "bombardment" on Gaza.
"These events have the potential to lead towards a new dangerous tipping point.
"There is no justification for the killing of civilians on any side. All acts of violence must end immediately. International law must finally be respected and enforced."
