The Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland is "personally thrilled" with Ireland's decision to recognise the state, which she believes is much more than a political gesture.
On Newstalk Breakfast, Dr Jilan Abdalmajid said today’s formal recognition has been over a decade in the works and hailed its importance in achieving peace.
The Palestinian flag was erected at Leinster House as Ireland, along with Norway and Spain, formally recognised a Palestinian state today.
Dr Abdalmajid said its “It’s a big day” for her people.
“I am personally thrilled with this recognition,” she said.
“There are also mixed feelings because on one side we do have a right to be happy with this and on the other side, my people are suffering a severe massacre.
“But I do want to be happy and I’m proud; this is an important and significant move by Ireland.”
The ambassador said Ireland’s recognition had long been in the works.
Recognition
“Ireland is a sovereign state and they were called by the Dáil in 2014 to recognise the State of Palestine,” she said.
“The recognition of us is on the Programme for Government.
“When we discussed this before, they said it wasn’t the right time and it should be done after a peace process.
“I realised that Ireland when we need them now, they did it.”
Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Dr Jilan Abdalmajid speaking at the Palestinian Embassy in Dublin, 9-11-23. Image: PA Images / AlamyIsraeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has described the killing of 45 people in Rafah yesterday, including women and children, as “tragic” and Dr Abdalmajid said she is skeptical of his concerns.
“The lives of our people cannot, for the past seven months and decades before, be a mistake,” she said.
“All the time they kill and massacre people and sometimes they say it is a mistake, but it is barbaric and the massacre and killing of Palestinians must stop.”
“The international community must put an end to this violation of international and human law; this cannot continue.”
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'We need sanctions'
The ambassador said more international cooperation is needed to end Israel’s war on Gaza.
“We need more relations, more bilateral relations and we need sanctions,” she said.
“Ireland worked very hard among EU states and within the UN; they’re lobbied for the rights of Palestinian people.
“We will continue to work with the Irish Government for more countries to recognise the State of Palestine, we need to continue that.”
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Main image: The Palestinian flag flown at Leinster House today. Image: Andrew Lowth/ Newstalk
