Question mark now hangs over Ireland's plan to recognise Palestinian state after Hamas attack

Already sensitive, the political mood for discussions surrounding Palestinian statehood will undoubtedly become even more tense,

Rockets fired by Palestinian militants from Gaza City are intercepted by the Israeli Iron Dome defence missile system in the early hours of Sunday. Picture: Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images

At the UN in New York last month, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Micháel Martin announced that the coalition favoured recognising Palestine as a state in its programme for government. 

Mr Martin added that the timing of the decision would be critical and the "impact of taking such a decision has to be weighed up".