The Oireachtas Foreign Affairs committee has described as "disappointing" the decision by the Israeli Ambassador to pull out of an emergency meeting on the Gaza flotilla attack later today.

Dr Zion Evrony was due to appear before the Committee, but pulled out yesterday afternoon due to "unforeseen circumstances". Requests for an alternative date were also refused.

The Ambassador was also expected to be questioned on Israel's intentions towards the Irish aid ship, the Rachel Corrie, which is currently on its way to the region.