Recognition of Palestine aims to create momentum towards peace, says Taoiseach
The Irish premier said his Government’s decision would have come as no surprise to Israel.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ireland’s recognition of the state of Palestine aims to create a “momentum towards a peace process” with Israel, Taoiseach Simon Harris has said.
On Wednesday, Ireland announced its recognition of the state of Palestine in a joint move with Norway and Spain.
The decision is to formally take effect in the three countries next Tuesday, May 28.
In response, Israel warned there will be “severe consequences”.
I don't think anyone in the world, least of all Israel, would have been surprised by the decision that Ireland, Norway and Spain took
Mr Harris has hailed the historic decision, saying no-one – and “least of all Israel” – would have been surprised at the move.
But in a series of social media posts, Israel’s foreign affairs minister Israel Katz claimed Ireland has “rewarded terrorism”.
Mr Katz recalled Israel’s ambassador in Dublin, Dana Erlich, and ordered a formal reprimand, or “severe demarche”, for the ambassadors for Ireland, Norway and Spain.
He said during the “demarche”, the ambassadors will have to watch videos of Hamas carrying out kidnappings.
Mr Harris was on Thursday asked about the warnings issued by the Israeli.
He said: “I had a very good conversation with the president of Israel (Isaac Herzog) last Friday. It was firm but respectful.
“We exchanged views and I outlined the Irish position, so I don’t think anyone in the world, least of all Israel, would have been surprised by the decision that Ireland, Norway and Spain took yesterday.
“I fundamentally believe that it is the right decision. It is an effort to try and create momentum towards a peace process that may seem far away but is absolutely and essentially needed.
“A two-state solution is the only way to bring peace and stability to the people of Israel and the people of Palestine.
“I would say very clearly to the Israeli Government, we very much recognise the state of Israel, its right to live in peace and security, but you can absolutely say that and also say the next bit – that the people of Palestine have a right to live in peace and security and the humanitarian catastrophe that’s unfolding in Palestine, in Gaza, needs to end.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.