Mideast crisis - World should heed Irish call for ceasefire

THE situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate at an alarming rate, while the international community stands idly by, seemingly believing that little can be done.

Deputy Michael D Higgins, Labour Party president and spokesman on foreign affairs, has frequently been the articulate voice of impassioned reason. He was particularly eloquent yesterday in his indictment of the international community over its failure to act on the Middle East crisis, and in his criticism of Israel for exacerbating the situation.

He complained that the statement issued by the G8 summit was “a shameful sop to Israel, excoriating the actions of extremists, yet merely calling on Israel to be mindful of the humanitarian consequences of its massive response”.