Dublin: Ireland’s political leaders are poised to announce the recognition of the Palestinian state today. Prime Minister Simon Harris, Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin, and Minister Eamon Ryan are expected to make the announcement this morning.
Although this issue was not previously on the agenda, it is anticipated that the recognition of Palestine will be confirmed. Prime Minister Harris had hinted earlier that the government would reach a decision on this matter by the end of May, in collaboration with various EU member states. Harris, the leader of Fine Gael, and Micheál Martin, the leader of Fianna Fáil and Deputy Prime Minister, are among the most vocal supporters of Palestine in Europe. Government spokespersons have indicated that discussions and coordination are ongoing between various EU capitals, including Madrid.
Israel’s Response
In response to Ireland’s impending announcement, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a video message warning against the move. The video claims that recognising the Palestinian Authority would amount to promoting terrorism and could make Ireland a pawn of Iran and Hamas. The 35-second message asserts that recognising Palestine would destabilise the region and undermine peace prospects, warning that such actions would strengthen Hamas and weaken the already dysfunctional Palestinian Authority. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert also described the recognition of Palestine as a mistake.
Irish Government’s Stance
An Irish government spokesperson clarified that Hamas, a designated terrorist organisation, does not represent the Palestinian people. The government condemns Hamas unequivocally. The recognition of the state of Palestine, they argue, is necessary to keep the two-state peace solution viable. Ireland is calling for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and support for the Palestinian people.
In a joint statement on March 22, former Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and the Prime Ministers of Spain, Malta, and Slovenia had already expressed their willingness to recognise Palestine. Today’s announcement is expected to formalise Ireland’s position on this critical international issue.
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