Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has condemned the targeting of Israeli civilians and taking of hostages by Hamas over the weekend.
Speaking on RTÉ's News at One programme, she said that the events were truly horrific and a breach of international law. She also said that the bombardment of Gaza "is equally to be condemned".
Since Hamas launched ground and rocket attacks into Israel, around 700 Israelis have died and dozens of hostages have been taken. In Hamas-controlled Gaza, Israel pressed on with intensive retaliatory strikes, which have killed over 500 people since Saturday.
"My feeling overall in this scenario is one of alarm because this is now a very, very dangerous situation but also a feeling of very, very deep frustration," Ms McDonald said.
"Because the truth is that for decades, the Israeli state has breached international law day in day out with collective punishment, annexation and confiscation of lands, imposing an apartheid regime denying the Palestinian people their absolute legitimate right to self-determination and there is such a depressing predictability about now."
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Ms McDonald defended meeting with the Hamas leadership a number of years ago, saying that talking to all sides was the "correct" approach.
Asked whether she had met with the Hamas leadership, she said "I have been to the West Bank and I have met with everybody."
After confirming that this included Hamas, she said "that's the correct way to approach this.
"We should know in Ireland, if you are serious about achieving a ceasefire, which is necessary, a path to peace and respect for international law in a conflict situation, you meet and talk to everybody.
"That's the only way you can find a pathway forward."
Ms McDonald visited the West Bank for several days in December 2018.
President Higgins calls for immediate end to 'horrific scenes' in Israel and Gaza
Additional reporting PA
