A video released by Israel today has been deemed “particularly distasteful” by Finance Minister Michael McGrath.
It was posted on the X account of Foreign Minister Israel Katz and showed footage of Hamas’ attack on October 7th with Irish music playing in the background.
In the post, Mr Katz said Hamas “thanks” Taoiseach Simon Harris for his service and asked whether Ireland’s goal has been to reward terrorism.
In a “message to Ireland,” the Foreign Minister also said that his country will not “remain silent in the face of those undermining its sovereignty and endangering its security”.
Ireland, if your goal was to reward terrorism by declaring support for a Palestinian state, you’ve achieved it.@SimonHarrisTD, Hamas thanks you for your service. pic.twitter.com/mgz7ZGtnCi
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) May 23, 2024
It follows yesterday’s announcement that Ireland will officially recognise a Palestinian state on May 28th, in line with Norway and Spain.
Finance Minister Michael McGrath said he disagrees with the comments made by Mr Katz
“The recognition of the State of Palestine by the Irish Government is not in any way a recognition or endorsement of Hamas,” he said.
“The video in question is particularly distasteful and I’m not going to say any more than that because Israel is clearly very sore over the decision of the Irish Government to recognise the state of Palestine.
“We also recognise the state of Israel, and we respect and recognise their right to exist.”
Coalition leaders at the plinth outside Leinster House today recognising a Palestinian state. Image: Sasko Lazarov / © RollingNews.ieMinister McGrath said a two-state solution is needed to end the conflict in Gaza.
“We have been very clear in entirely condemning the terrorist attack that Hamas perpetrated on the 7th of October last year, he said.
“It was absolutely horrific, but the state of Palestine is an important step because the only way that this terrible conflict will end, ultimately, is through a negotiation of a two-state solution.
“We believe that this will be helpful in that regard, but it should not be confused with any form of endorsement of Hamas.
“The Government has been crystal clear of where we stand on that issue.”
Former White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney told Newstalk yesterday that the US could “skip the Taoiseach” meeting on St Patrick’s Day as a result of Ireland recognising Palestine.
Reporting by Jamie O'Hara.
Main image: Finance Minister Michael McGrath speaks to media in Dublin, 29-11-23. Image: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie
