Press release
Taoiseach meets Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland in Government Buildings
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
Taoiseach Simon Harris today met with the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid in Government Buildings.
The meeting was the first time a Palestinian Ambassador has been formally received in the Taoiseach’s office and follows Ireland’s recognition of the State of Palestine last month.
Dr Abdalmajid thanked the Taoiseach and the Irish people and said that recognition, with Spain and Norway, was a source of strength, hope and light on a path to peace for the people of Palestine that put her country on a different level in the world’s perception.
The Taoiseach said Ireland’s foreign policy was always guided by international law and human rights, and we saw the imperative for a two-state solution. He was clear in his condemnation of Hamas, its horrific attack on Israel and ongoing holding of hostages.
The Taoiseach and the Ambassador spoke about current efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages. The Taoiseach said the onus was now on all parties to stretch themselves and to engage, despite any internal pressures they face.
The Ambassador briefed the Taoiseach on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the urgent need for food and aid to flow through the Rafah crossing in many multiples of the quantities currently passing through.
The Taoiseach said recognition of Palestine was not the end of a process, but the beginning.
He said Ireland would intensify work with Arab & European partners to support the Arab Peace Vision and concrete steps to implement the two-State solution. Immediate focus will remain on the urgent pursuit of a ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of hostages, and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and a rapid and sustainable scale up in humanitarian aid.