Updated 14.32
The Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan is supporting the United Nations Security Council call for a ceasefire in the current conflict in Gaza and Israel.
Minister Flanagan says the violence now being witnessed in Gaza and Israel is unacceptable and it is incumbent on all sides to agree an immediate ceasefire to spare civilians from further violence and suffering.
Minister Flanagan said "The government has already clearly condemned both the rocket fire from Gaza into Israel as well as the very high civilian casualties resulting from Israeli military actions in Gaza. Both sides to this conflict need to exercise maximum restraint, fully respect international humanitarian law and avoid further actions which could escalate the conflict or result in more civilian casualties".
"All Palestinians and Israelis have the right to live in peace and security and without the threat of indiscriminate violence".
"I am also extremely concerned at the worsening of what was already a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The government is supporting the UN's Emergency Response Fund which was created to provide rapid support for humanitarian activities at the sudden onset of emergencies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. We are in regular contact with our UN partners on the ground to discuss urgent humanitarian needs now arising as a result of the crisis" he added.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is advising strongly against all travel to the Gaza Strip and adjacent areas.
The death toll following a week of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza has risen to more than 170 people.
Some 33 children among the dead
Israel launched operation 'Protective Edge' seven days ago in response to rocket fire from Hamas militants.
The United Nations says at least 17,000 people have sought refuge in its shelters in Gaza following Israeli warnings to evacuate.
The death toll in Gaza continuing to rise while there have been no fatalities in Israel.
The warplanes are targeting the homes of suspected Hamas militants and concealed rocket launch locations.
UNICEF says the violence is taking a shocking toll on children both physically and psychologically - with at least 33 children among the dead in Gaza.
The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday voiced alarm that, despite the Security Council's clear demand for a ceasefire, the situation in and around the Gaza Strip appears to be worsening.
"He strongly believes that it is in the interest of both sides that steps toward dangerous escalation be replaced with immediate measures to end the fighting, thus preventing further casualties and greater risks to regional peace and security" said a statement, issued by Mr. Ban's spokesperson.
"He demands both sides move in this direction now".
The statement went on to note that Hamas' indiscriminate firing of rockets against Israeli civilian targets is a violation of international law.
“The Secretary-General, abhorring the images of Israeli families hovering in shelters in fear for their children's safety, repeats his condemnation of Palestinian rockets fired from Gaza and demands an immediate cessation of these indecent attacks,” it stated.
“The Secretary-General is also deeply worried about the impact on Palestinian families of Israeli military action,” the statement said, adding that he feels “a sense of responsibility” for the Palestinians who, especially in the Gaza Strip, have long been denied the sense of freedom and dignity that they deserve.
"The Secretary-General does not believe that what is inherently a longstanding, serious political dispute between Israelis and Palestinians can be resolved via military means by either side. He remains engaged with both sides to urge de-escalation and an end to violence".
Thousands of people have fled from northern Gaza - after an Israeli warning of impending attacks - with the UN estimating that around 17,000 people have sought refugee in its facilities.
Reporter Alex Rossi who is is in Gaza says the bombing is ongoing
Meanwhile hundreds of people with dual citizenship passports have been fleeing Gaza.
The European Union is joining the international calls for an immediate ceasefire, while Arab foreign ministers are due to meet in Egypt today to discuss the crisis.
The EU says it is in touch with "parties in the region" to press for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
"We call on all sides to exercise maximum restraint, to avoid casualties and to return calm. We are in contact with parties in the region to do their utmost to achieve an immediate ceasefire" EU foreign policy spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic told reporters.
Orlando Crowcroft is in Tel Aviv for The Guardian newspaper. He told Newstalk Lunchtime there is growing opposition to the strikes from the Israeli side.
