The United Nations General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution, which also called for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, humanitarian access and protection of civilians under international law, passed with 153 votes in favour, 10 against and 23 abstentions.

Back here, voluntary organisations and unions hope to receive clarification over the coming days on when thousands of health and social care workers will receive pay increases agreed in a recent deal that averted a strike in the sector. The two sides met at the Workplace Relations Commission last week and the three unions involved, Siptu, Fórsa and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation are expecting follow up communications in the coming days.

An extensive survey of the private rental sector in Ireland has indicated that the median amount of money tenants spend on rent is 30% of their monthly net income, after tax and excluding bills and services charges. The study also shows a high level of positive experiences among tenants and small landlords.

Elsewhere, retailers will tell politicians today that over the last two years there has been an “explosion” of shoplifting, with the levels of crime, violence and anti-social behaviour towards staff at an all-time high. A representative of Musgraves, the owner of retail brands SuperValu, Centra and Daybreak, is set to tell the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment that there is an “alarming rise” in underage youths who “get a kick out of intimidating staff”.

The Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin is to travel to London today to meet with the new UK Foreign Secretary, David Cameron. The former UK prime minister was appointed foreign secretary last month. 

And Italian archaeologists have uncovered a luxurious Roman home near the Colosseum, boasting an "unparalleled" mosaic featuring shells, marble and precious glass, the Italian culture ministry has said. The building, which dates to between the second half of the 2nd century BC and the end of the 1st century BC, has been described as "an authentic treasure”.

Have a good day folks.