Taoiseach tells US event: We cannot ignore the cries of children in Gaza

Micheál Martin tells New York audience that Ireland will continue to support the Palestinian people

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that Ireland will continue to support the Palestinian people, and that the international community cannot ignore the cries of children in Gaza.

Speaking at an event in New York on Monday, Martin said that the violence in Gaza was a "tragedy" and that he was "deeply concerned" about the welfare of civilians.

He said that Ireland would continue to work with the international community to support the Palestinian people and to find a lasting solution to the conflict.

Martin's comments came as fighting between Israel and Hamas continued for a second day, with dozens of people killed.

The violence began on Monday when Hamas fired a barrage of rockets into Israel, prompting Israeli airstrikes on Gaza.

The death toll has been rising steadily since then, with at least 53 people killed in Gaza and seven in Israel.

The United Nations has called for a ceasefire, but it is unclear whether this will happen.

Martin's comments were welcomed by the Palestinian ambassador to Ireland, who said that they were a "strong and clear statement of support for the Palestinian people."

The ambassador said that he hoped that Martin's comments would help to raise awareness of the situation in Gaza and to put pressure on Israel to end the violence.