Ireland has officially recognized Palestine as an independent state. The announcement was made today by Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris at a press conference, where he was joined by Green Party leader Eamonn Ryan and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin. Harris emphasized the importance of this historic day for both Ireland and Palestine, asserting that the Palestinian people deserve a peaceful future free from suffering, just as the people of Israel do.
Harris drew parallels between Ireland’s own struggle for recognition as an independent nation a century ago and Palestine’s current situation. He stressed that Palestine needs full rights, governance, and security as a sovereign nation.
Following the announcement, Israel recalled its ambassadors to Ireland and Norway, who also recognized Palestine today. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz warned that Israel would not remain silent against these measures. Despite this, Ireland proceeded with its official recognition, a move that had been anticipated since a 2014 parliamentary bill.
Norway made a similar announcement earlier in the day, and Spain is set to follow on May 28. Ireland had previously been waiting for broader European Union recognition before making its declaration.