Ireland officially recognizes Palestinian state

Ireland on Wednesday officially recognized the Palestinian state, Prime Minister Simon Harris announced at a Dublin press conference.

Harris said the decision was taken last month and he had confirmed that Ireland would take this step alongside Spain.

“Today, Ireland, Norway and Spain are announcing that we recognize the state of Palestine," he said, adding: “Each of us will now undertake whatever national steps are necessary to give effect to that decision."

Harris said he has “spoken with a number of other leaders and counterparts and I'm confident that further countries will join us in taking this important step in the coming weeks.”

“This is a historic and important day for Ireland and for Palestine,” he said.

The prime minister said Ireland’s message to the free nations of the world in their own independence in 1919 “was a plea for international recognition of our independence emphasising our distinct national identity, our historical struggle, and our rights to self-determination, and justice.”

“Today, we use the same language to support the recognition of Palestine as a state,” he added.