Updated: 10am. Additional reporting by PA & Reuters.
Ireland is to formally recognise Palestine as an independent state, Taoiseach Simon Harris has confirmed.
"We said the point of recognising the state of Palestine was coming closer, that point has now arrived," Mr Harris said, speaking outside Government Buildings in Dublin on Wednesday morning.
Similar action is also to be taken by Spain and Norway.
"Today, Ireland, Norway and Spain are announcing that we recognise the state of Palestine.
"Each of us will now undertake whatever national steps are necessary to give effect to that decision."
Today, the Government announces it will formally recognise the State of Palestine on May 28th.
Today, we state clearly our unambiguous support for the equal right to security, dignity, and self-determination for the Palestinian and Israeli peoples. pic.twitter.com/uGoymhg5VD
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) May 22, 2024
Mr Harris added: "It is a statement of unequivocal support for a two-state solution, the only credible path to peace and security for Israel, for Palestine and for their peoples."
The Taoiseach said it is "long past time for a ceasefire" between Israel and Hamas, calling for a release of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on October 7th, and an end to the Israeli offensive in Rafah.
He added that Palestinians in Gaza are enduring "the most appalling suffering, hardship and starvation", but said civilians on all sides must be protected by international humanitarian law.
Mr Harris said the Palestinian people "deserve a future full of hope", adding: "We see you, we recognise you, we respect you."
He added that he has spoken to a number of other world leaders, and is confident "further countries will join us in taking this important step in the coming weeks".
Tánaiste Micheál Martin confirmed the decision will formally take effect on May 28th.
'Two states for two peoples'
"It is with a heavy heart that we watch those intent on imposing by force a future based on violence, domination, subordination and exclusion, become some of the most prominent voices in Israel and Palestine today. We reject that future.
"Instead, we endorse a future that so many people, in the Middle East and internationally, have put so much time and energy and commitment into developing over decades – one based on mutual respect, equality, and on two states for two peoples," Mr Martin said.
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan added that Ireland also recognises Israel and its entitlement to protect its people.
Following warnings from Israel that recognition of a Palestinian state would "fuel extremism and instability", Mr Ryan stressed the decision is "not an endorsement of Hamas".
I have instructed the immediate recall of Israel’s ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations in light of these countries' decisions to recognize a Palestinian state.
I’m sending a clear and unequivocal message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent in the…
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) May 22, 2024
However, Israel's foreign affairs minister has called the decision a "distorted step".
"I have instructed the immediate recall of Israel’s ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations in light of these countries' decisions to recognise a Palestinian state," Israel Katz said in a post on X.
"I’m sending a clear and unequivocal message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent in the face of those undermining its sovereignty and endangering its security."
The Palestinian Authority and Hamas have both welcomed the announcements by Ireland, Spain and Norway.
