May 22, 2024
Reports: Ireland to announce recognition of Palestinian state
Ireland is expected to announce the recognition of a Palestinian state on Wednesday, media reports said, despite opposition from Israel.
The announcement is expected to come during a scheduled press conference at 8:00 am (0700 GMT), according to local media.
The Irish government believes that recognition will support peace efforts.
Ireland had earlier signaled it would recognize Palestinian statehood by the end of this month, part of a coordinated effort with Spain, Slovenia, and Malta, who argue that a two-state solution is crucial for lasting peace in the region.
Last week, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he would announce a date for recognizing a Palestinian state on Wednesday.
The European Union supports a two-state solution, but it has not yet unanimously backed the recognition of a Palestinian state.
In 2012, the representation of the PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organization) was granted non-member observer status at the United Nations as the State of Palestine for the Palestinian Territories. Of 193 UN members, 138 voted for the recognition, with 9 voting against and 41 abstentions, including Germany.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry posted a video message addressed to Ireland on X warning that “recognizing a Palestinian state will lead to more terrorism, instability in the region and jeopardize any prospects for peace.” It warned that recognition “risks turning you into a pawn in the hands of Iran and Hamas.”
The militant Islamist group Hamas is classified as a terrorist organization by the US, EU, Israel and others.
ss/rt (Reuters, AFP)
