DUBLIN, Wednesday, April 10, 2024 (WAFA) – Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin has said formal recognition of Palestine by Ireland “will happen”.

Speaking in the the national parliament, Martin said he was bringing a formal proposal on the recognition of Palestinian statehood to Government.

The Government had previously said it was working with other European countries on a joint declaration of recognition for Palestine.

On Tuesday, Martin said: "For the past six months, I’ve maintained ongoing discussions with ministerial colleagues and other countries about how a joint formal recognition of Palestinian statehood could be a catalyst to help the people of Gaza and the West Bank, and in furthering an Arab-led peace initiative."

“We’ve agreed that the undermining of the Oslo Accords and therefore the agreement to create two states has reached the point where the accords’ approach with recognition after a final agreement is not credible or tenable any longer.

“I’ve discussed this with those in the region who are working on peace initiatives and co-ordination with other countries continues intensively.

“We’ve discussed this between the government parties and it is my intention to bring to Government a formal proposal on recognition when these wider international discussions are complete.

Martin added: “But be in no doubt, recognition of a Palestinian state will happen.”

K.T