Muireann Duffy
The Government has formally recognised the state of Palestine following a meeting of the Cabinet.
The historic decision was taken in a joint move with Spain and Norway, who will also recognise the Palestinian state from today.
A statement released following the Cabinet meeting read: "The Government recognises Palestine as a sovereign and independent state and agreed to establish full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah.
"An Ambassador of Ireland to the State of Palestine will be appointed along with a full Embassy of Ireland in Ramallah."
At a meeting of government today Ireland formally recognised the State of Palestine.
The Government recognises Palestine as a sovereign and independent state and agreed to establish full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah.
Full statement: https://t.co/YpvxXsuKCI pic.twitter.com/ebAyNTVtMD— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) May 28, 2024
The Government reiterated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages taken by Hamas from Israel on October 7th, as well as unhindered access for humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said the decision "is about keeping hope alive", adding: "It is about believing that a two-state solution is the only way for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security.
"We had wanted to recognise Palestine at the end of a peace process, however, we have made this move alongside Spain and Norway to keep the miracle of peace alive."
Mr Harris again called on Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu "to listen to the world and stop the humanitarian catastrophe we are seeing in Gaza".
Tánaiste Micheál Martin added the move to recognise the state of Palestine represents Ireland's conviction that a political path is the only way to "break the cycle of dispossession, subjugation, dehumanisation, terrorism and death that has blighted the lives of Israelis and Palestinians for decades".
He added: "Prospects for a lasting peace have never been more in peril and it is imperative we act now, alongside our likeminded partners, to protect the viability of a two-State solution and the equal rights of Palestinians and Israelis to self-determination, peace, security and dignity."
