Cowen denounces Israeli attacks as ‘disproportionate’

THE Taoiseach has strongly condemned the Israeli attacks in Gaza — denouncing them as “disproportionate” and a hindrance to long-term peace in the region.

Brian Cowen’s comment came as Israeli special forces shelled a UN headquarters in Gaza, injuring agency employees and setting fire to stores of food and emergency supplies.

A move for sanctions against Israel were hinted at yesterday when Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin said the Irish Government would press within the EU for action against it.