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Ireland to officially recognise state of Palestine after Cabinet briefed on plans amid ‘pawn’ risk warning from Israel
It is understood that two other EU states will recognise Palestine
IRELAND looks set to officially recognise the state of Palestine tomorrow morning.
It is understood two other EU states will recognise Palestine as a state alongside Ireland tomorrow.
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The announcement is expected to happen after the three Coalition leaders announced they are to hold a press conference at 8am at Government Buildings in Dublin.
The move comes after Cabinet ministers were briefed on plans to recognise Palestinian statehood, as Israel warned that the announcement will “fuel extremism and instability”.
Irish and Spanish officials have been in discussions with other European countries about making a joint recognition of the state of Palestine.
The leaders of the three coalition parties briefed Cabinet ministers on the latest stage of negotiations on Tuesday.
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Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin are involved in “ongoing co-ordination” with other European leaders about the announcement, a Government spokesman said.
The spokesman said that recognising Palestinian statehood has been a “foundation stone” of Irish foreign policy, adding that the Government believes in a two-state solution.
Meanwhile, in a online video targeted at Ireland, Israel’s Foreign Ministry warned that recognising a Palestinian state “will lead to more terrorism” and “jeopardise any prospects for peace”.
The narrator says: “Ireland, the possibility of recognising a Palestinian state risks turning you into a pawn in the hands of Iran and Hamas.
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“Such a move will only strengthen Hamas and weaken an already dysfunctional Palestinian authority.
“The fact that Hamas leaders are thanking you should serve as wake-up call.
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“Your actions will only fuel extremism and instability.
“Progress can only be achieved through direct negotiations within a wider regional context.
'Don't be pawns'
“Don’t be pawns in the hands of Hamas. Say no to recognition.”
This move comes just days after the Palestinian women's football team travelled to Ireland to play their first ever match in Europe.
The friendly fixture, against Bohemian Football Club, took place at Dublin's Dalymount Park on May 15.
And a late winner by Nour Youseff's helped the visitors seal a 2-1 win against the Irish side.