Cowen reiterates condemnation of Gaza violence

The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, has again condemned Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Speaking in Japan today, Mr Cowen said the appalling situation in the Palestinian territory must come to an end.

Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas are both ignoring the UN Security Council's demand for an immediate end to the violence.

More than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by the Israelis, at least half of them civilians, including 300 children and teenagers.

Thirteen Israelis have also died, three of them civilians killed in cross-border rocket attacks by Hamas.