A United Nations resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza has been welcomed by Tánaiste Micheál Martin.
The resolution by the General Assembly is not legally binding but is seen as highly symbolic.
Some 153 countries, including Ireland, voted in favour of the resolution on Tuesday.
The US voted against it along with Israel and eight other countries. Several states abstained including the UK, Italy, Hungary and Ukraine.
Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin said he was "very encouraged by overwhelming support" of the international community following the vote.
The Mission of the State of Palestine also thanked Ireland for supporting the resolution.
Thank you Ireland https://t.co/DtEb5iRK8Z
— Mission of the State of Palestine to Ireland (@IrePalestine) December 12, 2023
It comes as US President Joe Biden earlier warned that Israel was losing support over the conflict.
In an off-camera briefing on Tuesday, referring to support enjoyed by Israel, President Biden said it was "starting to lose that support by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place."
He raised concerns that he had with the Israeli government, saying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "has to change this government".
"This government in Israel is making it very difficult," President Biden said.
He said that Israel "can't say no" to a Palestinian state, adding: "We have an opportunity to begin to unite the region... and they still want to do it.
"But we have to make sure that Bibi [Netanyahu] understands that he's got to make some moves to strengthen... you cannot say no Palestinian state... that's going to be the hard part."
'Protection of civilians'
The UN resolution also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and well as "ensuring humanitarian access."
It also reiterated the General Assembly's demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, "notably with regard to the protection of civilians."
Prior to the resolution, two amendments making specific reference to the militant group Hamas were voted down by members.
Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan criticised the resolution branding it "hypocritical."
“Not only does this resolution fail to condemn Hamas for crimes against humanity, it does not mention Hamas at all," he said.
"This will only prolong the death and destruction in the region, that is precisely what a ceasefire means."
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said it was yet another resolution that failed to condemn Hamas.
"Our goal must be to stop the death the devastation and the destruction for the long-term and that is simply not a future Hamas wants to see", she said.
Dublin protest
The UN vote followed protests outside the US Ambassador's residence in Dublin's Phoenix Park on Tuesday evening.
Ambassador Claire Cronin had invited political representatives as part of an annual Christmas reception.
The demonstration was organised by People Before Profit TDs, who themselves boycotted the reception for Oireachtas members.
Protests outside the US Ambassador's residence in Dublin's Phoenix Park, 12-12-23. Image: Newstalk/Ellen ButlerThe protest came just days after the US used their veto on the UN Security Council to stop a similar resolution that demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
The resolution put forward by the United Arab Emirates was backed by over 90 member states on Friday.
More than 18,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the start of Israel's military operations, including over 4,000 women and 7,000 children.
Tens of thousands are reported to have been injured, and many are missing presumably under rubble.
