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Palestine's Statehood: Ireland Poised to Extend Recognition by Month's End

Thursday 16 May 2024 - 12:06

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In a pivotal move, Ireland has announced its intention to formally recognize the statehood of Palestine before the end of May. This decision has been carefully coordinated with like-minded nations to amplify its impact on the international stage.

Micheál Martin, Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, revealed on Wednesday that his country will bestow recognition upon the State of Palestine in the coming weeks. While an exact date remains undetermined, Martin assured that the recognition will occur before the end of the current month.

"The specific date is still fluid because we're still in discussions with some countries regarding a joint recognition of a Palestinian state," Martin stated. "It will become clear in the next few days as to the specific date, but it certainly will be before the end of this month."

This announcement follows a joint statement issued in March by the leaders of Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Malta, all of whom expressed their readiness to acknowledge Palestinian statehood. Although Ireland has previously voiced support for recognizing Palestine as a means to facilitate the Middle East peace process, the recent escalation of violence and the Israeli Occupation Forces' brutal offensive in Gaza have accelerated discussions on the matter.

Irish Prime Minister Dimon Harris emphasized the significance of coordinating this move with other nations, stating last month, "We would coordinate the move together to lend weight to the decision and to send the strongest message." Harris underscored the importance of acting in unison to amplify the impact of the recognition.

Furthermore, a statement from Harris's office revealed that the Foreign Minister has kept King Abdullah II of Jordan apprised of their recognition plans, underscoring the regional implications of this decision.

As the death toll among Palestinian civilians continues to rise, reaching over 35,000 fatalities, the urgency of the situation has become increasingly apparent. In the last 24 hours alone, civilian casualties in Gaza have reached 82, the highest daily death toll recorded in weeks, as the Israeli Defense Forces intensify their ground offensive on Rafah in the south and maintain heavy bombardment on Jabalia in the north.

Through this resolute step, Ireland aims to send a powerful message to the international community, acknowledging the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination on the global stage.