Taoiseach Simon Harris has said that Ireland was recognising Palestine because “we believe in freedom and justice as fundamental principles of international law”.
“We said the point of recognising the state of Palestine was coming closer, that point has now arrived,” he said at Government Buildings on Wednesday mornign.
“Today, Ireland, Norway and Spain are announcing that we recognise the state of Palestine.
“Each of us will now undertake whatever national steps are necessary to give effect to that decision.”
“Palestinians in Gaza are enduring the most appalling suffering, hardship and starvation,” Taoiseach Simon Harris said.
“How can anyone justify children going to sleep at night, not knowing if they will wake up?
“Civilians on all sides must be protected by international humanitarian law … The only pathway to peace is political.
Caoimhe de Barra, Trócaire’s CEO, said: “Recognition of the state of Palestine by Ireland is very welcome.
“Ireland, Norway and Spain now join with the 143 member states of the United Nations, out of 193 in total, that recognise the State of Palestine.
“Recognising the state of Palestine is important because it affirms the right of Palestinians to self-determination in a sovereign Palestinian state.
“It strongly signals support for a two-state solution and for a more equal playing field between Israel and Palestine in future negotiations.
“Trócaire is calling on the Irish Government to build on its announcement to formally recognise the state of Palestine by taking immediate concrete steps to end the war on Gaza and prevent further war crimes.”
“In the Gaza Strip, over 35,000 Palestinians including more than 14,000 children have been killed.
“The healthcare system has been decimated and Palestinians who have been forcibly displaced multiple times are facing famine and malnutrition. Almost 70% of housing has been either completely destroyed or damaged.
“Schools and hospitals have been flattened. Our partners on the ground are saying the situation is beyond catastrophic.”
Tags: