IRELAND: The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has urged the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to develop the potential for a real political breakthrough in the Middle East.
Mr Ahern welcomed the renewed engagement of the US in the efforts to resolve the conflict and said Ireland and the EU remained committed to supporting the international community in the quest for peace.
He congratulated the Palestinian and Israeli leaders on their efforts to maintain calm and urged them to engage in effective negotiations. "The objective and the prize would be a lasting peace in which two states, Israel and Palestine, would live side by side in peace and co-operation."
Labour's foreign affairs spokesman, Mr Michael D. Higgins, said the cessation of hostilities in Gaza should be a first step to resolving the conflict.
"If the two-state solution is to remain viable and reach a satisfactory conclusion, a viable contiguous Palestinian state must emerge alongside the resolution of any security issues sought by the Israelis," he said.
Fine Gael's spokesman, Mr Bernard Allen, said the ceasefire was a "stepping stone" to a more lasting peace.