Biden hosts Taoiseach at White House for almost an hour

Taoiseach Simon Harris said he made Ireland’s position on the Middle East conflict “very clear” when he met US President Joe Biden.

Mr Biden hosted Mr Harris at the Oval Office for just under an hour on Wednesday.

The Taoiseach had previously said the US and other countries should consider what more it can do to bring about a cessation of hostilities – including the supply of arms.

While condemning Hamas’ attacks in October last year, Mr Harris also criticised Israel’s response as “utterly disproportionate”.

Speaking to reporters after the bilateral meeting, Mr Harris said: “Obviously, when it came to Gaza, I made it clear the position of the Irish people, the position of the Irish Government, that we know what it is like in Ireland to not feel seen by the world, that we know what it is like to have our national identity hijacked by a terrorist organisation.

“Because, of course, Palestine is not Hamas. Hamas is a despicable terrorist organisation, and the…