Ireland recognises state of Palestine

Online desk: Ireland has formally recognised the state of Palestine, following Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.

The decision means the Government now recognises Palestine as a sovereign and independent state, and has agreed to establish full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah.

Following Tuesday’s Cabinet decision, the Government will await a formal request from the Palestinian Authority.

At that point, the Government will upgrade the status of the Palestinian Mission in Ireland to that of an embassy.

It will also authorise the appointment of an ambassador from the state of Palestine.

It is widely expected that the current head of the Palestinian Mission in Dublin, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, will become ambassador of the state of Palestine.

A formal ceremony would then be arranged to take place at Áras an Uachtaráin (official residence of the President of Ireland) with President Michael D Higgins.

It is likely that Feilim McLaughlin, currently head of mission in Ramallah, will become Irish ambassador to Palestine.

The Cabinet noted the tragic backdrop to Tuesday’s announcement, and again called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages and unhindered access for humanitarian aid.

In a statement this lunchtime, the government said Ireland recognises the state of Palestine in the spirit of peace, in a coordinated announcement with Spain and Norway.

Ireland’s Prime Minister Simon Harris said the decision “is about keeping hope alive”.

“It is about believing that a two-state solution is the only way for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security,” he said.