Israel massacre 'despicable,' says Irish FM

Irish Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern Monday condemned Israel for its latest massacre of civilians in Lebanon and criticized the failure by the US to call for a ceasefire.

Speaking to reporters in Dublin, Ahern branded the Qana massacre of more than 54 civilians, including at least 32 children as "despicable." He said it beggared belief that Israel killed so many children in the belief that they were members of Hizbullah, according to Ireland's breaking news service.

The European Union, apart from Britain, is demanding an immediate ceasefire, while the United States has claimed a ceasefire should not be hastily imposed and should only be arranged if can be lasting and sustainable.

But Ahern said the failure to call for a ceasefire defied logic and he criticized the US approach to the violence. "Hopefully people are going to come to their senses," he said.

Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern condemned the massacre on Sunday and said he was shocked and appalled at the heavy loss of life and that an immediate ceasefire is urgently needed.