Ireland recognises Palestinian state as Israel recall ambassador in response
Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin speaking to the media during a press conference outside the Government Buildings, Dublin, as Ireland recognised the state of Palestine. Picture: Damien Storan/PA Wire
Ireland will recognise Palestine as a state, the Taoiseach has confirmed as Israel has recalled its ambassador from Ireland.
Simon Harris confirmed that Spain and Norway will also take this "important step" today, with more countries set to join at a later date.
Israel recalled its ambassadors from Norway, as well as Ireland, over their recognition of a Palestinian state.
Speaking at Government Buildings, Mr Harris said today is an historic and important one, using the same language used by Ireland in 1919 when it sought international recognition.
He said that Ireland will take the necessary national steps to recognise Palestine.
He said Palestine will be entitled to self-determination and territorial integrity. He referenced the recent UN General Assembly vote which said that Palestine was qualified for the UN membership.
Mr Harris said it was an "unequivocal" show of support for a two-state solution.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said that the recognition would come into effect from next Monday.
He said that such a move was a foundation for peace and security in the region. He said that few states have invested as much as Ireland in the recognition of Palestine.
However, Mr Martin said that it was with a "heavy heart" that Ireland had seen those "intent on violence, domination, subordination and exclusion" become some of the loudest voices in the region.
The Palestinian ambassador to Ireland thanked the Government for a "recognition of our rights". Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid said that her reaction to the announcement was “positive and emotional”.
The Taoiseach and Tánaiste both denounced Hamas and the actions of October 7, but each said that the ongoing war on Gaza had brought destruction and death on innocent civilians.
"The Palestinian people are not Hamas," Mr Harris said.
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said that Ireland has consistently said that "now is not the right time" for recognition of Palestine, but that this was now the time.
He added that "condemnation on its own cannot deliver peace".
Israel has said it is "disappointed" with Ireland's decision to recognise Palestine, saying it is "undermining its sovereignty and security".
"This act jeopardises any hope of Hamas releasing any of the 128 women, children and men kidnapped and held captive by them," the Israeli embassy said in a statement.
"Unilateral gestures such as this will do nothing for either Palestinians or Israelis. We can only resolve our differences through bilateral negotiation. Just as in Ireland’s case, political steps cannot be imposed.
"Recognition raises many questions, such as what is meant by 'Palestine'. What does it mean for Gaza since Hamas, who control it are bitter rivals of the Palestinian Authority.
"How will this help the people of Gaza under Hamas’s rule? Most importantly, one must question the timing of this announcement in the midst of a war that Hamas launched."
The statement added that the ambassador was recalled "temporarily for consultations".
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