'Very concerning' - Irish government reacts to Trump's vow to make Gaza 'Riveria' of Middle East

The Irish government has responded to President Donald Trump's comments on the US taking over Gaza and creating a "Riviera of the Middle East" after resettling Palestinians elsewhere.

Trump's proposed plan for the region has caused widespread condemnation across the world, with many fearing further destabilisation in the already war-torn Gaza. 

In response, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has said that the US President needs to "clarify" the comments that have been made.

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Harris went on to say that the international community has gone to great lengths to bring about the current ceasefire which "came much too late." However, he insisted that the ceasefire must remain. 

He added: "I always adopted the approach when it comes to the US administration of judge them based on what they do and not what they say."

The Tánaiste said: "The comments last night were very concerning, but the focus has to be on keeping the ceasefire in place."

Harris repeated the government's support for the ceasefire and for a Two-State Solution to the conflict which has been echoed by Taoiseach Micheál Martin. 

The Taoiseach said: "I would agree that Gaza is hell on earth now and has been hell on earth for the last number of years. That's the reason we need to double down on the ceasefire and make sure that the ceasefire is built upon and that the second phase is confirmed."

Micheál Martin said that the ceasefire, getting aid into Gaza and its reconstruction is the top priority. 

The Irish government has consistently backed the Two-State Solution for the conflict, which has been reiterated by the Taoiseach in the wake of Trump's comments.

He added that the further displacement of Palestinians would put surrounding countries such as Jordan and Egypt under severe pressure with the already existing burden on refugee camps in the region. 

The Taoiseach concluded by saying that the US and President Trump did play a significant role in establishing the ceasefire and that is what needs to remain the priority for the international community.