Northern Ireland is to proceed with a football friendly against Israel despite calls for it to be cancelled amid the violence in Gaza.

The Irish Football Association told Sky Sports News it had "no intention" of bowing to pressure from Sinn Fein MLA Sinéad Ennis, who called on it to "send out a strong signal that the slaughter of Palestinians in the open-air prison which is Gaza, is completely unacceptable".

She pleaded with their chief executive to cancel the friendly, which is due to happen in Belfast in September.

It comes after Argentina pulled out of a pre-World Cup friendly against Israel that had been moved to Jerusalem, citing security risks.

The game was due to take place at the city’s Teddy Stadium on Saturday evening but the Argentine FA withdrew amid a campaign of threats to its players including Barcelona striker Lionel Messi.