The prime minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has told Tánaiste Simon Harris there is now a “window of opportunity” for a ceasefire in Gaza after months of unrelenting attacks by Israel.
Mr Al Thani, also his country’s minister for foreign affairs, was visiting Ireland on Wednesday to accept the 2024 Tipperary International Peace Award, in recognition of his role in negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza between Hamas and Israel.
Mr Al Thani held a private meeting with Mr Harris in Dublin to discuss the situation in the Middle East, including the ongoing situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
They also discussed wider regional issues including the situation in Iran.
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Both expressed concern regarding ongoing conflicts in the region, their hope that a renewed ceasefire and hostage release agreement can be reached in Gaza and that the ceasefire between Israel and Iran will be maintained. Qatar has played a role as a mediator in conflicts.
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Speaking after the meeting, Mr Harris said: “During our discussions, the prime minister set out what he saw as a window of opportunity for progress towards a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. It’s vital that all parties redouble their efforts to seize this opportunity for the sake of the people of Gaza.
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. I thanked Qatar for its continuing work to bring about a resumption of the ceasefire agreement.
“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.”
