President Michael D Higgins has called for an immediate end to the "horrific scenes" across Israel and Gaza, saying that failure to address the conflict has bore a "terrible fruit for all those involved".
Hundreds of Israelis were killed by Hamas militants on Saturday, including at least 260 at a music festival, and dozens more abducted in a surprise attack by the Palestinian militant group.
Israel has responded by bombarding Gaza with a series of strikes which has killed more than 400 people, while it has also imposed a total siege on Gaza, cutting off its water supply.
President Michael D Higgins has condemned the violence, describing it as "deeply reprehensible" and has called "for an immediate end to the killing which has ... included so many civilians, young people and children, as well as older members of families".
He said in a statement: "Any attacks on innocent civilians, such as those horrific scenes witnessed at the Supernova music festival and elsewhere, are deeply reprehensible.
"Further attacks, and reprisals of the same degree, will lead to further loss of innocent life."
He added: "Diplomatic failure to meaningfully address a conflict, one that has been raised every year at the United Nations, is bearing a terrible fruit for all those involved.
"The absence of positive engagement has made a stone of the heart of so many.
"It should remind us that it is the responsibility of all of us to return and to engage with all of the sources of conflict, accepting the right of Israel to defend itself, and of Palestinian people to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled."
The President also called for "immediate urgent engagement by neighbours and the international bodies" in order to bring an end to attacks on communities and civilian infrastructure.
He also sent his "deepest condolences to all of the families of the victims, and our thoughts at this time are, in particular, with the family of Kim Damti our fellow citizen".
Tánaiste Micheál Martin again condemned the attack by Hamas, saying the "deliberate and systematic targeting of civilians can never be justified".
He said: "The taking of hostages, including young children and the elderly is unconscionable. They must be released immediately.
"These inhumane and senseless attacks have unleashed new horror upon innocent people in Israel and Gaza.
"Nothing could alleviate the heartbreak and outrage of those who have been affected by these events.
"We now have a moral and political obligation to chart a way towards a future in which these events cannot be repeated."
The Fianna Fáil leader added that he was working closely with the EU as well as international partners to help address the crisis.
