Simon Harris, who is set to become Ireland’s ever-youngest prime minister, called for an “immediate ceasefire” when questioned about Israel’s offensive on Gaza as it reached its half-year point, AFP reports.

“What we’ve seen happen in Gaza and the actions of the Israeli government is utterly reprehensible,” he said.

“It’s appalling and it’s grotesque.”

He also described the Israeli attack that killed seven aid workers including three Britons earlier this week as “callous and chilling”.