Martin: Gaza situation 'extremely depressing'

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has said the current humanitarian situation in Gaza is "extremely depressing".

Mr Martin is visiting the area for the first time today after being refused entry by Israel late last year.

His tour is the first by an EU foreign minister for a year.

Speaking in Gaza city, he said Israel's defence that it tried to avoid women and children during last year's offensive was "not credible".

He is also appealing to the Israeli Government to lift its three-year blockade on the people of Gaza.