Israel is misrepresenting Ireland’s stance, Taoiseach Simon Harris asserted on Thursday.
This follows Ireland’s confirmation that it will formally recognise the state of Palestine from May 28th, in a coordinated move with Norway and Spain.
Israel has warned of “severe consequences” in response to this decision. The Irish ambassador in Israel, along with her Spanish and Norwegian counterparts, was summoned to the Israeli foreign ministry for a reprimand.
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As part of the “severe demarche,” the ambassadors were shown videos of Hamas carrying out kidnappings.
Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Israel Katz claimed Ireland and Mr. Harris had “rewarded terrorism” by recognising Palestine.
Mr. Harris defended Irish ambassador Sonya McGuinness, praising her for excellently representing Ireland’s views. “Any foreign ministry can call in any ambassador, but I will not tolerate any country misrepresenting the position of the Irish people,” he stated.
He emphasized that Ireland condemns Hamas and the October 7th massacre in Israel.
However, he also highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating that children are being starved and deprived of food. “This situation is not sustainable. It needs to stop,” Mr. Harris said.
The Taoiseach stressed the importance of ending violence in the Middle East, releasing hostages, and allowing humanitarian aid to flow unimpeded.
Speaking on CNN’s Amanpour program, he reaffirmed Ireland’s recognition of Israel’s right to peace and security, and the equivalent right for Palestinians.
“The Irish people know what it’s like to have their national identity hijacked by a terrorist organization. The IRA was never the people of Ireland, and Hamas is not the people of Palestine,” Mr. Harris added.
Earlier, Mr. Harris explained that recognizing Palestinian statehood aims to build momentum towards a peace process with Israel.
He mentioned a recent conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, describing it as firm but respectful.
“I don’t think anyone in the world, least of all Israel, would have been surprised by the decision that Ireland, Norway, and Spain took,” Mr. Harris said. He believes the recognition is an effort to create momentum towards a much-needed peace process.
Mr. Harris stressed that a two-state solution is the only way to achieve peace and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians.
He reiterated Ireland’s commitment to this solution and its intention to foster a peaceful resolution.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain and Norwegian leaders have also supported the recognition of Palestine, aiming to strengthen international efforts for peace.
The coordinated move by Ireland, Norway, and Spain signals a significant shift in their foreign policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In Israel, the reaction has been intense, with officials expressing strong disapproval. Israeli media have widely covered the diplomatic spat, emphasizing the potential repercussions of Ireland’s decision.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with ongoing humanitarian concerns. International aid organizations continue to call for increased support and intervention to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Diplomatic relations between Israel and Ireland are expected to remain strained in the wake of this decision. Both countries will need to navigate these tensions carefully to avoid further escalation.
As the international community watches closely, the move by Ireland, Norway, and Spain may influence other nations’ approaches to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The hope is that it will encourage renewed efforts towards a sustainable peace agreement.
The recognition of Palestine by these countries underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the decades-long conflict. The global community’s role in facilitating dialogue and negotiations is more crucial than ever.
In conclusion, Ireland’s decision to recognize Palestine highlights the complexities and sensitivities of international diplomacy. It serves as a reminder of the importance of striving for peace, security, and justice for all parties involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
