Speaking on International Day of Solidarity with Palestine, Karen Mullan MLA said:
“We are fifty years on from the annexation of Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem and we have had fifty years of injustice. It has to end.
“Leo Varadkar and the Irish government must move to formally recognise Palestinian statehood without further delay.
“The international community has a responsibility to support the Palestinian people and to challenge the continuing human rights abuses of Israel.
“There are millions of people all over the world who support the Palestinian struggle.
“We will continue to support the people of Palestine and efforts to secure a just and lasting peace in the region.
“I would like to extend our warmest solidarity greetings to the Palestinian people.
“We commend you for your resolve, your bravery, in your long and just struggle for freedom, self-determination and independence,” she added.