The EU must now step up recognise the State of Palestine, according to Barry Andrews MEP.
“Today’s decision by Ireland, Norway and Spain to recognise the State of Palestine sends a powerful message: It is time that Palestine takes its full place amongst the nations of the world; that its right to self-determination, self-governance and territorial integrity and sovereignty must now be vindicated,” the Dublin MEP said.
“Ireland believes that both Israelis and Palestinians have an equal right to self-determination, peace, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Three decades after the Oslo process began, the Israeli Government has been increasingly and explicitly clear that it does not, and will not, accept a Palestinian State.
“As such, it is now critical for the international community and especially the EU - which has extensive diplomatic and economic links to both Palestine and Israel - to recognise a Palestinian State, based on 1967 borders, if we are to have a chance at peace and the two-State solution. We need to make clear that Palestinian self-determination is not negotiable; it is, as the UN has made clear, an inalienable right.
“After months of inaction and deafening silence by some leaders in the face of plausible genocide, the EU has an opportunity to do the right thing. Recognising the State of Palestine would be a message that President Netanyahu cannot ignore and would give some hope for the future to those Palestinians trapped in Gaza facing unspeakable horrors.
“If we want real change and fast, the EU must follow the leadership of Norway, Ireland and Spain.
"This move is in no way an endorsement of Hamas - this is recognition of a State, not a government. Conversely, it is a step towards enabling Palestinians to eventually build a functional state, and to once and for all put an end to Hamas control.
“Recognition by Ireland alone will not immediately solve the conflict. This is one step in a long process towards the recreation of a political pathway towards peace. But with the EU on board, we stand a better chance.
“What matters above all is that this conflict ends immediately. We need to do everything in our power to make this happen.”
ENDS