Tánaiste to discuss Gaza ceasefire in meeting with Qatari prime minister

Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani is seen as a key broker behind a potential ceasefire

The Tánaiste will stress the need for the killing to stop, for the de-escalation of tensions, and for the full release of all hostages. Picture: RollingNews.ie

The Tánaiste is hosting the prime minister of Qatar on Wednesday, one of the leading negotiators behind a potential ceasefire in Gaza.

The meeting between Simon Harris and Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Dublin comes amid hopes of a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The Tánaiste will stress the need for the killing to stop, for the de-escalation of tensions, and for the full release of all hostages.

He will seek the insights of his Qatari counterpart, who is seen widely as a key broker behind a potential ceasefire.

Speaking ahead of the meeting at Government Buildings, Mr Harris said: “I welcome the news overnight of a renewed effort for a ceasefire in Gaza and I will take the opportunity today to gain the insights from the Prime Minister about the current state-of-play in the region.

“Qatar has played a leading role in trying to mediate an end to this brutal conflict which has cost tens of thousands of lives and caused unthinkable bloodshed and despair.

“While the situation remains extremely volatile, I really hope that the killing can now stop and that the unimaginable, brutal situation can end.” “I look forward to meeting Prime Minister Al Thani today and to thank him for the extremely constructive role he is playing in attempting to broker peace.”