Israel recalls ambassador as Ireland formally recognises State of Palestine

An Taoiseach has today announced that Ireland will formally recognises the State of Palestine.

Speaking on today's news, Taoiseach Simon Harris said that recognition of the State of Palestine is “the right thing to do”.

Today's news comes amid Norway saying it will also recognise a Palestinian state, with Spain set to follow.

Recognition by all three will formally take effect from May 28.

Israel has recalled both its ambassadors to Ireland and Norway after move.

Today's announcement comes shortly after the International Criminal Court sought the arrest of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said it is "never the wrong time to do the right thing".

"I want to know in years to come, that Ireland spoke up, spoke out in favour of peace, in favour of a political settlement that allows children in Palestine, children in Israel, to live safely and in peace and security side-by-side," Mr Harris said.

"It has been the long-standing position of this country that a two-state solution is the way to bring peace to the Middle East."

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said that countries like Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia are "extremely concerned" about the impact of the war in Gaza and the October attack on stability in the region.

He said: "They're saying to us that recognition is an important part of their desire to have a political track to replace this terrible war that's currently being waged."

"Today's decision is about the empowering of moderation within Palestine," Mr Martin added.

"It can be argued that the Israeli strategy, war and suppression of the Palestinian people, has empowered extremism, and we're moving in a different direction.

"This is very much about peace."

The Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland says recognition of the Palestinian State is highly welcomed by the Palestinian leadership and Palestinian people.