Government leaders have announced Ireland will begin the process of officially recognising Palestine as a State. 

Speaking outside Government Buildings this morning, Taoiseach Simon Harris said Ireland, Norway and Spain will recognise the State of Palestine. 

Each Government will take “whatever steps are necessary to give effect to that decision”. 

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said the recognition will formally take effect on May 28th. 

Mr Harris said he has spoken with other European leaders, and he is “confident” other leaders will follow Ireland’s decision.

He compared Ireland’s “historical struggle and right to self-determination" to that of Palestine, saying permanent peace can only be achieved "on the basis of the free will of a free people".

The Taoiseach already flagged at the beginning of the month that Ireland and other European countries would recognise Palestine by the end of May. 

Israeli ambassador recalled

In response to Ireland’s announcement, Israel has announced it is recalling its Ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich "for consultations", along with its Ambassador to Norway.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said he is “sending a clear and unequivocal message to Ireland and Norway”. 

“Israel will not remain silent in the face of those undermining its sovereignty and endangering its security,” he wrote online. 

“Today’s decision sends a message to the Palestinians and the world: Terrorism pays.” 

He noted if Spain “follows through on its intention to recognize a Palestinian state, a similar step will be taken against it”. 

Recognising Palestine

Mr Harris called once again for all Israeli hostages to be released and noted that Hamas “is not the Palestinian people”. 

He said a two-state solution is the only way to escape the continued conflict between Israel and Palestine. 

He said recognising Palestine shows there is a viable alternative to the nihilism of Hamas. 

He said there is also no future in the rising intensity of Zionism and “settler colonialism”. 

“Ireland will always stand with those who are ready to walk a political pathway to peace,” he said. 

Trocaire CEO Caoimhe de Barra welcomed Ireland’s decision to recognise Palestine but said it will only be a “symbolic gesture” unless “decisive action” is taken. 

“The welcome announcement by Ireland, along with other states, that it will formally recognise the State of Palestine comes at a time where there is very little left of Palestine to recognise.” 

Currently, eight EU member states recognise the State of Palestine, including Sweden, Poland and Romania.

Of the 193 United Nations member states, 143 recognise Palestine as a State.