The Taoiseach became the first European leader to fly into Gaza yesterday, as he continued his official visit to the Middle East.
Mr Ahern arrived on the Government jet from Tel Aviv after the Israeli authorities had given permission for the flight following intensive contact at diplomatic level. When the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, travelled from Israel to Gaza, he had to do so by road.
The Palestinian leader, Mr Yasser Arafat, acknowledged the historic and symbolic importance of the occasion at a joint press conference following talks with Mr Ahern.
"It meant a great deal for me that the prime minister chose to land with his plane at Gaza International Airport and send out the right message. With this gesture, prime minister, you have touched my heart and the hearts of the Palestinian people."
Describing his talks with Mr Ahern as excellent, Mr Arafat said that they had discussed the Middle East peace process and the importance of the Wye agreement which was signed under the auspices of President Clinton. He added that a strong push for the process was needed from the international community.
He said he had officially invited Mr Ahern to attend the Bethlehem 2000 celebrations and to join the international committee preparing for them.
The Taoiseach said that Ireland had been sympathetic to, and supportive of, the Palestinian people for a long time. "We have continued to put forward our view about the need for the self-determination of the Palestinian people as part of a comprehensive overall settlement."
He added that Mr Arafat had done everything possible to commit himself to what had been negotiated in the Wye agreement. He said he would be putting forward Mr Arafat's views at EU Council level.
Mr Ahern said he had told Mr Arafat of the desire of the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he had met on Tuesday, to negotiate and engage in dialogue.
The Taoiseach and Mr Arafat continued the talks at dinner last night.
Today Mr Ahern will meet members of the Palestinian legislative council and visit local aid projects before flying home.
