Taoiseach discusses Palestine with the King of Jordan

James Cox

The Taoiseach spoke today with King Abdullah of Jordan about the "desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza".

King Abdullah is understood to have underscored the need for the international community to step up efforts to increase humanitarian assistance, while Simon Harris promised Ireland’s full .

The Taoiseach also outlined Ireland and Spain’s efforts on Palestinian recognition, and ongoing discussions with other like-minded countries.

The war in Gaza is expected to dominate the Arab Summit, which is due to convene in Bahrain tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said Ireland will "certainly" recognise Palestinian statehood this month.

While May 21st had been floated as a potential date, Mr Martin said the specific day remains “fluid”.

Speaking on Wednesday, he said: “We will be recognising the state of Palestine before the end of the month.

“The specific date is still fluid because we’re still in discussions with some countries in respect of a t recognition of a Palestinian state.

“It will become clear in the next few days as to the specific date, but it certainly will be before the end of this month and I will look forward to consultations today with some foreign ministers in respect of the final specific detail of this."

Speaking on Newstalk radio, he added: “We’re doing it in the context of the Arab Peace Initiative to track towards a two-state solution and to extend the signal to the Palestinian population at large that we their right to self-determination and the idea of a two-state solution as the ultimate, only way that Israelis and Palestinians can live side-by-side in peace.”