Mary Robinson condemns suicide attacks

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights - Mary Robinson - has appealed to the Israeli government to exercise restraint.

Ms Robinson has also urged the Palestinian authority to punish those behind the weekend suicide attacks that killed 25 and injured more than 200.

She says indiscriminate attacks on civilians violate the most basic human rights norms that affirm the right to life.

Ms Robinson said: "I urge the Palestinian Authority to take immediate steps to investigate these heinous crimes and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Acts like this only fuel hatred and polarisation. They will not lead to a resolution of the conflict."

"I urge the Israeli authorities to exercise utmost restraint in conformity with international law," she added.