Micheál Martin has pushed back against criticism that the decision to recognise Palestine was a “reward for terror”.
Ireland, Norway and Spain will formally recognise Palestine as an independent State tomorrow after announcing the decision last week.
The decision was met with sharp criticism from some, especially the Israeli Government.
At a joint conference with the Irish, Spanish and Norwegian Foreign Ministers in Brussels, Mr Martin denied claims the recognition is a “reward for terror” from Hamas.
“Nothing could be further from the truth,” it said.
“We have recognised both the State of Israel and the State of Palestine, precisely because we want to see a future of normalised relations between the two peoples.
“One where negotiations, between two sovereign states on an equal footing, is the mechanism used to get to a just and lasting settlement, based on internationally-agreed parameters.
“Where extremism is sidelined and moderate political voices, ready to make sensible political compromises that give their people a future of security and dignity, are supported.”
Recognising Palestine
Israeli Ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich said the decision to recognise Palestine as a State is akin to a “prize for terrorism”.
“Ireland is possibly recognising a so-called State without any due process,” she said.
“[In other examples], States were recognised and then the regimes changed, that is a different situation.
“Right now, there are no formal institutions to control this so-called State.”
Mr Martin said in his statement today that the international community has been supporting a two-State solution between Israel and Palestine for “decades”.
“But we are no nearer to actually getting to that desired end State,” he said.
“And we firmly believe that, without changing our approach, we will never get there.
“Our recognition of both States is an unequivocal message that only a future in which Palestinians and Israelis alike enjoy equal rights to self-determination, statehood, human rights and dignity, is acceptable and sustainable.
Micheál Martin speaking as the Government announces plans to recognise Palestine. Image: Sasko Lazarov / © RollingNews.ie“It is also a decision firmly ensconced within the parameters of UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, and is explicitly one of multilateralism, not unilateralism.”
The Israeli Government also posted a video of Hamas’ attack on October 7th mixed with footage of Irish dancing, claiming that the terror groups “thanks” Ireland for recognising Palestine.
Ireland, Spain and Norway join 142 other countries who have formally recognised an independent Palestinian State.
