Ireland, Norway and Spain have today announced their recognition of the state of Palestine, with Taoiseach Simon Harris saying that it is “the right thing to do”.
The countries are expected to formally recognise Palestinian statehood May 28, in a move that has drawn Israeli anger.
The Taoiseach announced the recognition this morning with Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, and leader of the Green Party, Eamon Ryan.
“Today Ireland, Norway and Spain are announcing that we recognise the state of Palestine,” said Mr Harris.
“Each of us will now undertake whatever national steps are necessary to give effect to that decision.”
The Taoiseach said that he was confident other countries would follow the move in the coming weeks.
“On January 21 1919, Ireland asked the world to recognise our rights to be an independent state. Our message to the free nations of the world was a plea for international recognition of our independence, emphasising our distinct national identity, our historical struggle, and our rights to self-determination and justice.
“Today, we use the same language to support the recognition of Palestine as a state.”
Mr Martin described the recognition as a “historic moment,” adding that Palestinians deserve the rights of self-determination and statehood and that it is important that the decision is not misrepresented as a hostile act towards Israel.
Ireland recognises the right of Israel and Palestine to exist equally, Mr Martin said.
Minister Ryan said that the recognition of Palestinian statehood was not an endorsement of Hamas.
In response to the development, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz said that he is recalling Israel’s ambassadors to Ireland and Norway.
“I’m sending a clear and unequivocal message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent in the face of those undermining its sovereignty and endangering its security,” Mr Katz wrote in a social media post.
“Today’s decision sends a message to the Palestinians and the world: Terrorism pays.”
I have instructed the immediate recall of Israel’s ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations in light of these countries' decisions to recognize a Palestinian state.
I’m sending a clear and unequivocal message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent in the…
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) May 22, 2024
Reaction has come in from politicians and NGOs alike, with Oxfam Ireland saying that recognition of a Palestinian state was a “landmark decision” that must transcend symbolism.
People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy says that Ireland’s recognition of Palestinian statehood is a “historic step”.
“The Government has taken this welcome step thanks to the mass movement from below against Israeli genocide. It should now be matched with action against Israel,” Mr Murphy said.
The Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland speaking on Morning Ireland said that recognition of the Palestinian State is welcomed by the Palestinian leadership and people.
Dr Jilan Wahaba Abdalmajid said: “This action gives hope to the Palestinian people that they are seen, they are heard and they are not alone.
“That the international community believes in their rights, to live in peace and security in their sovereign state,” she said.
Meanwhile, the founder of Holocaust Awareness Ireland, Oliver Sears, said that most Jews he has spoken to are in favour of a two-state solution, but that “it’s just the timing” of the announcement.
“We all want peace in this region. I’ve been a committed peacenik who has wanted a Palestinian state for as long as I’m aware of this region and this crisis. I think timing is everything. I think the timing is, frankly, terrible. You can’t force peace on two warring parties. You have to create an atmosphere where there is at least the beginning of trust between the parties,” Mr Sears said on Newstalk Breakfast.