Ireland's government formally recognized the state of Palestine today, May 22.
Taoiseach Simon Harris, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, and Minister Eamon Ryan have announced today during a news conference at Government Buildings that from May 28, Ireland will recognize the State of Palestine.
Following months of consultation with countries across Europe and the Middle East, Ireland made the announcement on the same day as Spain and Norway.
During his speech, Harris referred to Irish history in the decision, "On January 21 1919, Ireland asked the world to recognize 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, emphasizing 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."
In a press statement, the Taoiseach said, “Ireland today recognizes Palestine as a nation among nations with all the rights and responsibilities that entails. Ireland has for many decades recognized the State of Israel and its right to exist in peace and security.
"We had hoped to recognize Palestine as part of a two-state peace deal but instead we recognize Palestine to keep the hope of that two-state solution alive.
"We want to thank and are honored to recognize Palestine at the same time as our friends in Spain and Norway. We are hopeful others will do the same in the next wave.”
Harris said he was confident other countries would follow the move taken by Ireland, Spain, and Norway in the coming weeks.
"This is a historic and important day for Ireland and for Palestine," he added.
Tanaiste Micheal Martin said in a statement: "It is our deeply-held belief that there can be no peace in the Middle East until the Israeli and Palestinian people alike enjoy the same rights to self-determination, statehood, peace, security and dignity.
"Recognition of Palestine is not the end of a process; it is the beginning.
"It is our conviction that the two-State solution remains the only viable option to secure a just and lasting peace, and a better future.
"I will also continue to work tirelessly on the immediate priority of securing a ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of hostages, and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.“
Today, the Government announces it will formally recognise the State of Palestine on May 28th.
Today, we state clearly our unambiguous support for the equal right to security, dignity, and self-determination for the Palestinian and Israeli peoples. pic.twitter.com/uGoymhg5VD
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) May 22, 2024
Minister for Environment Eamon Ryan said: "It is long past time that Palestine joins the other nations of the world as an internationally recognized state.
"We hope this recognition will be complemented by other initiatives to halt the war in Gaza.
"It in no way undermines our recognition of the right of Israel to exist.
"We want to see an immediate release of all hostages and at the same time provision of humanitarian aid for all those left destitute by the war."
After the announcement, Israel's foreign minister ordered Israel's ambassadors from Ireland and Norway to immediately return to Israel.
The day before Ireland made its announcement, Israel's foreign ministry warned in a video targeted at Ireland that recognizing a Palestinian state "will lead to more terrorism" and "jeopardize any prospects for peace."
Recognizing a Palestinian state will lead to more terrorism, instability in the region and jeopardize any prospects for peace.
Don’t be a pawn in the hands of Hamas. pic.twitter.com/81f7Gxweol
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) May 21, 2024
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the recognition, saying the decision would enshrine “the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination” and support efforts to bring about a two-state solution with Israel.
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