Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he had a long and substantial discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron at their meeting in Paris today.
The pair discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East, with Mr Harris saying that it was difficult to find words to describe the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Taoiseach said both men agreed there needs to be an immediate ceasefire, adding that he believed there was an onus on the EU and the US to use every lever at their disposal to maximise pressure to bring about a ceasefire.
Mr Harris restated that the only way forward is a two-state solution, and an end to violence and the release of hostages.
Mr Harris said they also discussed wider issues in the Middle East including Lebanon.
"Both Ireland and France have troops in Lebanon and we have agreed to stay in very close contact in relation to the UNIFIL mission in what is currently a very febrile atmosphere."
The two leaders were to discuss a series of bilateral matters, including education and tourism, as well as maritime connections and energy cooperation, as well as the EU's continued support for Ukraine as it struggles to contain Russia's invasion.
Taoiseach @simonharris greeted by @EmmanuelMacron at the Élysée Palace @rtenews pic.twitter.com/7dQHwMbccI
— Sandra Hurley (@sandra_hurley) August 27, 2024
In a statement ahead of the meeting, Mr Harris said that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is no longer just about those killed in Israeli airstrikes, but also disease.
He said the UN has confirmed that 50,000 children in Gaza have not been immunised against polio due to the collapse of the health system there.
Mr Harris said that "Ireland fully supports the international efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire, the release of hostages and the free flowing of aid".
Taoiseach @SimonHarrisTD meeting athletes from Team Ireland Paralympics squad in Paris pic.twitter.com/ODUDKDxDqd
— Sandra Hurley (@sandra_hurley) August 27, 2024
The Taoiseach has also met members of Team Ireland ahead of the opening ceremony of the 17th Paralympics Games in Paris tomorrow.
Several members of the team and officials met Mr Harris at the Athletes' Village.
Team Ireland has 35 athletes at the games who will compete across nine different sports.
