Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has confirmed EU leaders will make "real effort" in the coming days to open a humanitarian corridor to Gaza, help EU passport holders to leave the area and to prevent "an escalation of the conflict" after an extraordinary meeting of the EU council of leaders this evening.
Speaking to RTÉ News at Government Buildings after the remote meeting ended, Mr Varadkar also confirmed EU leaders have agreed to treble humanitarian aid to Gaza despite initial concerns it could be suspended.
Asked about the outcome of the meeting - during which Mr Varadkar confirmed there were some dissenting voices - the Taoiseach said: "There is a great unity when it comes to opposition on the rapidly deterioriating situation in the Middle East.
"There is strong condemnation of Hamas for its terrorist attacks on Israel, for using human shields, and taking hostages as well.
"We support of Israel's right to defend itself, but a very clear view that has limitations and Israel must act within the confines of humanitarian law within the actions it takes.
"There is a real effort you're going to see from European countries working together over the next couple of days to opening a humanitarian corridor to Gaza, to try to get EU passport holders out to safety, to avoid an escalation in the conflict, and to try to use the influence we have to ensure we don't see this escalate to other parts of the region.
"There's also a commitment to treble EU aid to Gaza, so far from it being suspended, it's going to be increased," he said.
The meeting was convened by President of the council Charles Michel in an effort to secure a united response from the EU.
No contradiction over solidarity with Israel - Von der Leyen
The President of the European Commission has said that there was no contradiction in standing with Israel in solidarity and "acting for the humanitarian needs of the Palestinians".
Ursula von der Leyen was speaking after the video conference meeting between 27 EU leaders.
The Commission president said that in the face of the recent Hamas terror attack in Israel, it was "clear to everyone that Israel has the right to defend itself in line with international and humanitarian law".
She said that in Israel she had spoken to families of hostages taken by Hamas, "for example, the 82-year-old grandmother abducted by Hamas, a mother that was desperately looking for her 22-year-old daughter abducted by Hamas from the festival in Israel".
Ms Von der Leyen described her visit to Kfar Azza kibbutz in Israel, where it is thought that over 100 civilians were killed.
"I saw the blood. I saw the burned down houses. I saw children's toys [that] no child would ever play with anymore."
She said Hamas was "also bringing immense suffering to the Palestinian people".
The Commission president was asked about the Israeli airstrike on a hospital in Gaza.
"I have just been informed about the incident. I need confirmation and cannot comment on it at this moment," she told the news conference.
The European Council president Charles Michel, standing next to Ms Von der Leyen, said the reports "showed the dramatic situation on the ground for the people [in Gaza]."
Mr Michel, who chairs EU summits and represents the 27 leaders, said the EU was a union of values.
"This applies everywhere, anywhere, at any time - that we all must stand up and defend peace, international law, and humanitarian law everywhere in the world at all times. That is the rule of law."
Ms von der Leyen did not include a call for Israel's retaliation to conform with international law.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for European Affairs said the Department of Foreign Affairs is continuing to work with Israeli authorities and other foreign leaders to assist Irish citizens in Gaza.
Peter Burke said everyone in the region has been asked to register with the consulate but acknowledged that people are working under incredibly difficult circumstances.
He added that the Government is working collectively with other EU leaders to try and achieve the establishment of humanitarian corridors in Gaza.
Additional reporting Tony Connelly
