Ireland is moving forward with plans to recognise the Palestinian state on May 21, along with Spain and a number of other EU member state, Tánaiste Micheál Martin told the Dáil today.

Martin has also announced that Ireland would vote in favour of Palestine membership of the United Nation on Friday, adding that coordination with as many member states as possible was essential for Palestinians’ right to self-determination and their right to their own state.

Martin said what is happening in Rafah and Gaza is “absolutely shocking and unacceptable”.

“In our view,” he continued, “it represents a clear violation of international humanitarian law. We have made that clear.”

Taoiseach Simon Harris also confirmed that Ireland was moving forward towards formally recognising the State of Palestine after meeting with his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez.

Spoke with @sanchezcastejon this morning on the wish of both Ireland and Spain to recognise the State of Palestine.

Formal recognition of Palestine is important as part of an acknowledgment that a two state solution is the way to bring about peace and stability in the region.

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) May 6, 2024

A spokesman for the Taoiseach said earlier this week that: “The Taoiseach and Prime Minister Sanchez reaffirmed the wish for both Spain and Ireland to recognise Palestine, agreeing that formal recognition is an important part of acknowledging that a two-state solution is the only way to bring about peace and stability in the region, with a State of Palestine and the State of Israel living side-by-side in peace and security.”

Following these declarations, People Before Profit’s Bríd Smith accused the government of not doing enough, adding that sanctions and the cancellation of contracts should be carried out, and that the Israeli ambassador to Ireland should have been expelled a long time ago.