Latest On Israel/Hamas And Gaza

The United Nations is to vote on demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Unlike a vote in the Security Council last week, no one country has the power to veto the resolution at the UN's General Assembly. It comes as four EU countries - including Ireland - are calling for a ceasefire in Gaza ahead of an EU summit this week. Meanwhile, the Tanaiste says Ireland is also looking for sanctions to be imposed to what he calls 'extreme terrorist settlers' in the West Bank. Speaking in Brussels, Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Martin says he wants to see the EU take a common approach to the issue, but that Ireland could act if on its own if necessary. Closer to home, Clare County Council has endorsed calls for a trade embargo on Israeli goods as well as an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. It follows a proposal passed at this month’s meeting of the local authority, which sought an unequivocal condemnation of the bombardment of innoncent civillians in the enclave, along with an appeal for the release of all hostages on both sides. To explore all of this further, on Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Eamon Meehan, Chair of Sadaka, the Ireland Palestine Alliance and Former Director of Trocaire, Kilmaley native.