Simon Harris says call was made to express ‘solidarity’ between people of Ireland and Palestine
Taoiseach Simon Harris was told that an average of 50 people had died every day in Gaza during 2024. Photograph: Stephen Collins / The Irish TimesThe phone call between Mr Harris and the West Bank-based President of the Palestinian Authority comes against the backdrop of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and Ireland’s recognition of the Palestinian State earlier this year.
“I also pledged that Ireland will continue to use its voice and its influence at every opportunity in every international forum it can from the EU to the UN – as well as through direct bilateral relations with Israel and Palestine – to bring about a ceasefire and to start to rebuild shattered lives.”
Mr Harris added: “On top of this we have seen so called safe zones bombed in the last few days and the conditions in Gaza as described by the UN are horrific.” He raised concern that the risk of famine in Gaza has not subsided and “the only conclusion that can fairly be drawn at the end of the 2024 is that the world has failed the innocent people of Gaza.”
A Government statement said: “the leaders looked forward to 2025 and the need for a ceasefire and an end to the bloodshed to be the top priority of all major powers and parties to the conflict.Like Ireland, Spain and Norway also recognised Palestine earlier this year.He also said that the Palestinian Ambassador, Dr Jilan Abdalmajid, officially presenting her credentials to Ireland this week was a great honour.
He also said: “Our recognition of Palestine took nothing away from Israel and I have spoken or met in person with President Herzog of Israel on several occasions this year.”
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