DUBLIN, (PIC)
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris announced that his country will recognize the State of Palestine by the end of May.
In a speech delivered on the occasion of commemorating the victims of the Great Irish Famine (1845-1852), in London, Harris stated that Ireland’s position on the issues of the Middle East, Gaza and Israel is clear.
He stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered access of humanitarian aid amid the humanitarian catastrophe occurring in Gaza.
Harris said that Ireland’s recognition move is not unilateral, elaborating that Ireland is working with a number of countries that want to recognize the State of Palestine.
In this context, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs of the European Union, Josep Borrell, confirmed that Spain will recognize the State of Palestine on May 21, indicating that other European countries such as Malta, Slovenia, and Ireland are on their way to recognize the State of Palestine.
Borrell added that other European countries might also recognize Palestine, including Belgium.
The initiative to recognize Palestine is currently supported by several European countries, led by Spain. The Spanish Premier Pedro Sanchez has been leading a diplomatic campaign since November 2023 to persuade Western countries to recognize the Palestinian state in order to put an end to the conflict in the Middle East, amid the Israeli war on Gaza.
Eight members of the European Union recognize the State of Palestine: Bulgaria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, the Southern Cyprus Administration, and Sweden.
