A Sinn Féin call urging the Government to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its actions in Gaza has been defeated in a Dáil vote on a margin of 77 votes to 58.

A majority of TDs have also rejected a Social Democrats' motion seeking the expulsion of the Israeli Ambassador with 85 TDs backing the Government and 55 voting against.

The votes were decisive in the end.

The success of the diplomatic effort which culminated in Irish citizens being able to safely leave Gaza quelled some jitters on the Government benches.

But there was an awareness among the coalition's TDs that a large swathe of public opinion wants a tougher stance taken against Israel over its actions in Gaza.

Judging by the thousands of emails sent to TDs in recent days, these might include trade sanctions and a loosening of diplomatic ties.

Many are eager too that the ICC is asked again to examine if Israel has engaged in war crimes in recent weeks.

Two motions related to Israel were defeated in the Dáil

The Government opposed this call by arguing that it would not have any impact given the ICC is already investigating Israel.

It pledged to provide the court with funds of up to €3 million to continue its work.

It was enough to keep its TDs on side in tonight's vote, but this is unlikely to be the last time Government will be asked to refer Israel to the ICC.

Indeed, Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald's chilling words in the Dáil describing Gaza as a graveyard for children is something no TD would disagree with.

On the question of expelling the Israeli ambassador, the Government contended that such an approach would be unhelpful.

However, Social Democrats' leader Holly Cairns pointed out that it was about going beyond mere words of condemnation.

Today though, Government can point to the success of its diplomatic approach.

The Taoiseach's warning that Ireland did not want to go out "too far on a limb" and risk losing influence held sway in the Dáil.

However, if the harrowing daily scenes from Gaza continue to unfold then Government will inevitably be called on again to take stronger action.