Taoiseach pledges to push for broader EU recognition of Palestinian state

Simon Harris said a ceasefire was needed 'so the killing can stop, the aid can flow, the hostages can be released'

Simon Harris met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in New York on Tuesday

Taoiseach Simon Harris has pledged to continue pushing for broader European recognition of the state of Palestine.

Mr Harris met with Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, in New York on Tuesday, marking their first discussion since Ireland’s decision to officially recognise Palestine. 

After the meeting, Mr Harris said that it was "an honour" to speak with President Abbas and reiterated his commitment to encouraging other EU nations to recognise Palestinian statehood, which Ireland did in May.

“Our heart is breaking for what is happening to people in Palestine. To see so many children and civilians losing their lives, to see the destruction of so much civilian infrastructure," he said. 

"I wanted the President of Palestine to know that Ireland sees Palestine.

"We know what it’s like to live in a country where you have had to really work to be seen to have your right for self-determination. We know what that is like. 

There is an absolute right to a Palestinian state, a state that can live in peace and security alongside the state of Israel. 

"I know very clearly, and the people of Ireland know very clearly, that Palestine is not Hamas. Hamas offers the people of Palestine no future.” 

Mr Harris said that a ceasefire was needed "so the killing can stop, the aid can flow, the hostages can be released and we can get to a point where we can have a political process to bring about a two-state solution.” 

“That was my message to President Abbas. It was an honour to meet him in person. It is the first time I have had the opportunity to meet him since Ireland took the decision to recognise the state of Palestine. 

"I will continue to advocate at a European level for more states to recognise Palestine because you cannot have a two-state solution if you do not recognise the existence of two states. 

"I will continue to work on behalf on behalf of the Irish people with other countries in terms of trying to get the aid to flow.

President Higgins along with Taoiseach Simon Harris during the opening session at the United Nations Building in New York. Picture: Maxwell’s

"I had a good meeting with the King of Jordan in relation to that today.”

Meanwhile, President Michael D Higgins met with US President Joe Biden following Mr Biden's speech at the UN. 

The two presidents spoke about a number of issues, a readout said, including the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. 

According to the readout, President Higgins "expressed his concern at the most recent developments in Lebanon and the need for these actions to cease". President Biden said he agreed and stated that he was "doing his best"t on the issues the President had raised.

"The Presidents exchanged wishes in relation to each other's families and President Higgins wished President Biden health and happiness for the future."