The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs has held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Qatar in Dublin in which they will discussed efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.
Qatar and Egypt are mediators in the truce negotiations, with representatives from the nations due to deliver what US President Donald Trump called a "final proposal" for a 60-day ceasefire to the militant group Hamas.
Mr Harris described the discussion as "wide-ranging and positive", adding that it focused on conflict in the Middle East, particularly Gaza, the West Bank and Iran.
The Tánaiste said Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani "set out what he saw as a window of opportunity for progress towards a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas" during the meeting.
In a statement following the discussion at Government Buildings, Mr Harris thanked Qatar for "its continuing work" to bring about a resumption of a Gaza truce agreement.
"It's vital that all parties redouble their efforts to seize this opportunity for the sake of the people of Gaza," he said, adding the humanitarian situation in the enclave "is catastrophic".
"We urgently need to see a cessation of hostilities, the release of all remaining hostages and the resumption of vitally needed humanitarian aid at scale into and throughout Gaza," he added.
The Fine Gael leader said the meeting also touched on developments relating to Iran, adding they discussed their "hope that the ceasefire agreement negotiated by the United States will continue to be honoured".
Mr Harris said both officials have agreed to "further strengthening of political, economic and people-to-people ties between Ireland and Qatar".
Mr Al Thani received the 2024 Tipperary International Peace Prize yesterday, where he said his country was a "steady voice for peace" in the world.
