As negotiations continue on a possible ceasefire deal in Gaza, the former Taoiseach has said "clarity and certainty" are essential for a peace process.

Israeli and Hamas representatives are currently in talks concerning a possible ceasefire deal.

A draft agreement has been sent to both sides which includes provisions for the release of hostages and a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

According to Qatari officials, Israel and Hamas are at the "closest point" yet to a ceasefire deal.

On Moncreiff, Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said from his experience of negotiations, "clarity and certainty" will be essential "from day one".

"I've been lucky enough in my life to be involved in a lot of peace processes in different places and there is no two the same," Mr Ahern said.

"There are different circumstances - in any talks process you have to try to be as inclusive as possible and to try and deal with as many issues in the talks."

Mr Ahern said this is "easier said than done".

Buildings in Jebaliya that were destroyed during Israel's January military offensive in Jebaliya, northern Gaza Strip

The former Taoiseach said the ongoing talks appear to be "fairly short-term".

"They’re talking about a 60-day truce and of course, that would be a help because Israel has continued to bomb in several locations in the area," Mr Ahern said.

"Every day there are people being killed so a 60-day truce would be a help."

Mr Ahern said he thinks if a ceasefire deal is agreed, the process could enter "stage two of the talks".

"The Qatari Foreign Minister who has been involved in this since the start is an accomplished negotiator," he said.

"The only way he sees of getting anywhere here is taking stage one – stop the bombing and the killing, have the hostages released, then see if he can extend the truce beyond the 60 days."

Long-term

Mr Ahern said even if a ceasefire deal is reached, there will be "long-term issues" afterwards.

"There is apparently negotiations going on between the United Arab Emirates, USA and Israel looking at a long-term solutions and who will rule Gaza in the long-term," he said.

"Israel certainly won’t agree with Hamas doing it or they won’t agree with the Palestinian authority and Palestinians won’t agree with Israel."

Mr Ahern said he will be "grateful" if the first stage of a ceasefire agreement is reached.

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Feature image shows Bertie Ahern at the 2024 Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre. Photo: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie