Irish recognition of Palestinian statehood welcomed by local politicians

Along with Norway and Spain, Ireland said it wformally recognise a Palestinian state from May 28.

Taoiseach, Simon Harris, said the move had been “taken to help create a peaceful future”.

Welcoming the move was Justin McNulty MLA who said the move “generates further momentum toward recognition of Palestine and a durable two-state solution to conflict in the region”.

He added, “A sustainable peace must begin with recognition of the legitimate aspirations and rights of both peoples in the eyes of the international community. A peace process, as far off as that may feel at present, will only succeed if the people of Israel and Palestine are equal partners. [This] decision is an honest reflection of that unavoidable truth.

“I sincerely hope that this act of recognition will be followed in other capitals in the time ahead. The international community has been slow to address the horrors inflicted on the people of Gaza following the inhumanity of the Hamas attacks. Now is the time to escalate efforts for peace.”

Speaking ahead of the motion, Sinn Féin councillor Cathal King said it was a “historic moment for both Ireland and Palestine”.

"I commend all those who have campaigned for this moment, all those who marched, who petitioned, who have stood up for international law, and for the reality that the only route to a lasting peace in the middle east lies with a free, independent and sovereign Palestinian state,” he said.

“The Palestinian state has long endured oppression, occupation and apartheid. Today the people of Gaza face a relentless genocide.

“Israel must be held to account and meaningfully sanctioned for the ongoing gross violations of international law in Gaza and across Palestine.”