Taoiseach speaks to President Abbas

Taoiseach, Simon Harris, has this evening spoken to the President of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, following Ireland’s recognition of the state of Palestine earlier today.

The Taoiseach told the President that he, on behalf of the people of Ireland, was recognising Palestine to keep the hopes of a two-state peace solution between Israel and Palestine alive.

President Abbas told the Taoiseach that Ireland’s recognition of the state of Palestine was a beacon of hope to the Palestinian people. He thanked Ireland, Spain and Norway.

The Taoiseach told President Abbas that Hamas is a brutal terrorist organisation and he utterly condemned the barbaric attack on Israel on October 7th last.

President Abbas said he seconded the Taoiseach’s statement that Israel had the right to exist in peace and security with its neighbours.

The two spoke about hopes for a lasting ceasefire and an end to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.