Ireland's recognition a beacon of hope, says president of Palestine

Ireland announced its recognition of the state of Palestine in a joint move with Norway and Spain on Wednesday. The decision is to formally take effect in the three countries next Tuesday, May 28.

The Palestinian flag is due to be flown at Leinster House on that day to mark the event.

The Taoiseach told Mr Abbas that he, on behalf of the people of Ireland, was recognising Palestine to keep the hopes of a two-state peace solution between Israel and Palestine alive.

Mr Abbas thanked Ireland, Spain and Norway.

The Taoiseach told Mr Abbas that Hamas was a brutal terrorist organisation and he utterly condemned the barbaric attack on Israel on October 7.

Mr Abbas said he seconded the Taoiseach’s statement that Israel had the right to exist in peace and security with its neighbours.

Taoiseach Simon Harris told Mahmoud Abbas that he, on behalf of the people of Ireland, was recognising Palestine to keep the hopes of a two-state peace solution between Israel and Palestine alive. Picture: Government Information Service

The two also spoke about their hopes for a lasting ceasefire and an end to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

Earlier, Mr Harris said “ideally” recognition of Palestine would have been taken as part of a peace settlement in the Middle East, but said “our decision to recognise Palestine should not have to wait indefinitely”.

“Today, Ireland, Norway and Spain are announcing that we recognise the state of Palestine,” said Mr Harris.

“Each of us will now undertake whatever national steps are necessary to give effect to that decision.” 

Shortly before Mr Harris made the announcement outside Government Buildings in Dublin, Israel recalled its ambassador in Ireland Dana Erlich “temporarily for consultations”.

Israel’s foreign affairs minister Israel Katz called Palestinian recognition a “distorted step” and said he had “issued a severe démarche” to the Irish, Spanish and Norwegian ambassadors to Israel.

Israel’s embassy in Ireland said it viewed Ireland’s move to recognise Palestine as “undermining its sovereignty and security” and as “damaging to our bilateral relations”.