Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams has called for the expulsion of the Israeli Ambassador Boaz Modai. Deputy Adams said the Irish government must go on the offensive, to encourage the Israeli government to end its military onslaught against civilians living in the Gaza Strip.

"The decision of the Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan to meet the Israeli Ambassador, following the escalation of the Israeli Government's military onslaught against the besieged population of the Gaza Strip, is welcome," Adams said today.

"The decision by the Israeli Government, in the face of international anger, to escalate its military offensive by launching a ground offensive requires a firm and resolute response by the Irish Government, which must now expel the Israeli Ambassador," Adams said.

The Sinn Fein leader also wants the Government to push for the immediate suspension of the EU's preferential trade agreements with Israel.