May 28, 2024: The flags of Ireland, Palestine, the European Union, and Ukraine flown side by side at Leinster House in Dublin on the day that Ireland's recognition of the State of Palestine takes effect.RollingNews.ie
Ireland formally recognized the State of Palestine during a meeting of government today, Tuesday, May 28.
The Irish Government said in a statement on Tuesday that it "recognizes 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."
The Irish Government noted the tragic backdrop to Tuesday's announcement and again called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages, and unhindered access for humanitarian aid.
The Irish Government said it recognizes the State of Palestine "in the spirit of peace in a coordinated announcement with our friends and colleagues in Spain and Norway."
At a meeting of government today Ireland formally recognised the State of Palestine.
— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) May 28, 2024
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
On Tuesday, Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “This decision of Ireland is about keeping hope alive. 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.
"I again call on Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel to listen to the world and stop the humanitarian catastrophe we are seeing in Gaza.”
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said in a statement: “Today’s Government decision authorises the establishment of full diplomatic relations with the State of Palestine. Subject to the formal request from the Palestinian authorities, the Government will upgrade the status of the Palestinian Mission in Ireland to that of an Embassy, and authorise the appointment of an Ambassador from the State of Palestine to Ireland.
"Our decision today also authorises the upgrading of the current Representative Office of Ireland in Ramallah to an Embassy.
"Recognition of Palestine is not the end of a process; it is the beginning. We are deeply committed to the pursuit of peace and support for Palestinian state-building. Ireland has reaffirmed this commitment over many decades, through intensive diplomacy and our long-standing development cooperation programme.
"It is vital that the Palestinian Authority is given the full backing of the international community in its reform and service delivery efforts and we will redouble our energies to this end.
"In recent days, I have held substantive discussions on the path ahead with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and engaged with European and Arab partners on the Arab Peace Vision as a meaningful way forward in achieving peace.
"Ireland will continue to work closely with the Palestinian Authority, and our EU and international partners, in creating a political path that can stop this horrific conflict and humanitarian disaster, ensure the release of all hostages, and realise the vision of a sovereign, independent Palestinian State existing alongside the State of Israel in peace and security.”
Minister Eamon Ryan said: “What the people of Palestine ask of us is not outrageous or extravagant. If anything, it is modest. The wish to be recognised as a State like any other, to control their own affairs and to speak for themselves on the international stage. Today, Ireland recognises that wish.
“We also reiterate that Ireland unambiguously recognises Israel’s right to exist. Our expectation is that the establishment of a Palestinian state will only serve to solidify Israel’s existence by allowing it to grow in peace and harmony with its neighbours."
The formal recognition comes less than a week after Harris, Martin, and Ryan announced that Ireland will recognize the State of Palestine.
Following months of consultation with countries across Europe and the Middle East, Ireland made the announcement on May 22, the same day as Spain and Norway.
In response to the announcement, Israel brought in the Irish, Spanish, and Norwegian Ambassadors for a "severe demarche." In front of local media, the trio of Ambassadors were shown a video of the October 7 Hamas attacks.
Including Ireland, Spain, and Norway, 145 out of the 193 UN member states have now recognized a Palestinian state.
On Tuesday, the Palestinian flag was raised outside Leinster House in Dublin alongside the Irish, EU, and Ukrainian flags.