Simon Harris: Ireland and Spain would recognise Palestine together

Taoiseach Simon Harris meets Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

The conditions for Ireland to recognise the Palestinian state are "coming much closer", the Taoiseach has said.

Speaking at Government Buildings alongside the Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez on Friday, Simon Harris said that Ireland and Spain would recognise Palestine together.

Spain has committed to recognising Palestine before July this year.

Mr Harris said that there is no reason why children in Gaza are hungry or thirsty when aid is available to be supplied.

Mr Harris said that he did not, however, believe that recognition of Palestine was a reward for Hamas. He said that such a move would bring about a "political peace process" that would lead to a two-state solution.

The Taoiseach said that all who wish to see a ceasefire in Gaza should use "all levers to do so".

He reiterated his condemnation of the October 7 attacks by Hamas and called for the release of all hostages from Gaza.

Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin announced on Tuesday that formal recognition of Palestine by Ireland “will happen” adding that he was bringing a formal proposal on the recognition of Palestinian statehood to Government.

Mr Martin said: "My priorities as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence reflect the fact these areas are more critical than ever to our country and our values.

"The grave humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the desperate, overwhelming need to return some hope to this region will continue to be an urgent priority.

"I am realistic about the limits of what Ireland can reasonably be expected to achieve by itself, which is why I have invested so much effort in building effective co-operation with other countries."