Taoiseach Simon Harris has met the incoming Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, in Government Buildings.
It was the first visit of Palestine's representative in Ireland to An Taoiseach’s office and follows Ireland’s recognition of the State of Palestine last month.
Dr Abdalmajid thanked the Taoiseach and Irish people for "putting Palestine on a different level in the world’s perception" and spoke of Ireland, Spain and Norway’s recognition of the State of Palestine as a "source of strength, hope and light on a path of peace".
Mr Harris said Ireland was guided by international law and human rights, and the imperative for a two-state solution. He was clear in his condemnation of Hamas, its horrific attack on Israel and the ongoing holding of hostages.
The Taoiseach and the incoming ambassador spoke about the ceasefire and hostage release plan proposed by US President Joe Biden.
Mr Harris said the onus is on all parties to now push themselves to respond to the plan in the face of whatever internal dynamics they face. He said everybody needs to be challenged to accept the plan.
Dr Abdalmajid briefed the Taoiseach on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the pressing need for food and aid to flow through the Rafah crossing in many multiples of the quantity currently passing through.
He said recognition of Palestine was not the end of a process, but the beginning. He said Ireland would intensify work with Arab and European partners to support the Arab Peace Vision and concrete steps to implement the two-state solution.
The immediate focus, he added, will remain 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.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Harris stressed the need for the proposed peace plan to be accepted by both sides.
"I would really encourage the Israeli government and Hamas to accept this plan. Fundamentally what this would do is stop the violence. The world has failed the people of Palestine and the children of Palestine," he said.
