Another senior Irish government Minister has strongly criticised Israel - again I would not be a big fan of Harris, but credit where it is due. He has really called it.
You cannot build peace on the mass graves of children’ – Simon Harris says Israel has become ‘blinded by rage’
‘That original right to defend itself has now become, in my view, a war on children – and you cannot build peace on the mass graves of children.’
Speaking in the Dáil, he said what Hamas did was despicable and Israel had a right to defend itself. But he said that that original right had now become a "war on children" and that Israel was a country blinded by rage.
"There is absolutely no doubt that what Hamas did was despicable, we've all condemned it. It deserves absolute condemnation. It was an act of terror on the people of Israel. It should be condemned, and Israel had a right to defend itself.
"But that right to defend itself has now become in my view a war on children, and you cannot build peace on the mass graves of children," he told the Dáil.
"It is unfortunate that a country has become blinded by rage," he added.
There have been calls on Government to give its TDs a free vote in Dáil votes this week on motions about the situation in the Middle East.
Tonight, a Sinn Féin motion will urge Government to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court, while tomorrow the Social Democrats will push for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador.
The Government is not supporting these two motions.
However, People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith said she knows of some coalition TDs who wish to do so.
She has called on the Government parties to lift the whip, saying this was a matter of conscience.
Labour has confirmed it would back the two opposition party motions, while Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon said it is time that Israel was met with international consequences for its actions in Gaza.
As tens of thousands of emails were sent to TDs on this issue in recent days, the Government insists that diplomatic relations must be maintained.
It will also argue that Israel's actions are already being investigated by the International Criminal Court.
The debate on the Sinn Féin motions begins later, and it will be voted on tomorrow.