Editorial: Ireland’s recognition of Palestinian state is a step towards justice

But doing nothing when thousands of people are being killed is not sustainable.

Thus, it is hoped that the recognition of Palestine as a state, by Ireland, Norway and Spain, can bring momentum to bestowing the rights and status its people have been deprived of for over 70 years.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed the move rewards terrorism.

Yet Taoiseach Simon Harris could not have been more clear in his condemnation of Hamas and the absolute need for it to release hostages.

Tel Aviv’s indiscriminate prosecution of war against the terrorists has failed to respect the lives of tens of thousands of civilians. This is in direct contravention of the Geneva Conventions.

The scale of the carnage has shocked the world and must now come to an end.

The intention of conferring statehood on Palestine is to give a concrete platform for the two-state solution – first mooted three decades ago – to be built upon.

Israel’s recalling of its envoys to Ireland and Norway for “urgent consultations”, and threats of further action, are therefore regrettable.

Violence is a spear pointed at both ends; those who wield it invariably suffer as much as its targets.

Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed over 35,000 people in Gaza since Hamas’s diabolical attacks of last October 7.

It is time for politics, dialogue and diplomacy to dam the rivers of blood. Israel Katz, Israel’s foreign affairs minister, says: “The twisted step of these countries is an injustice to the memory of the 7/10 victims.”

But accepting Palestine and acknowledging the legitimacy of its international identity is a step towards, not away from, justice. Ireland also respects and recognises Israel’s right to exist. For too long, the voice and integrity of Palestine has been ignored.

There are many thorny issues still to be addressed, such as defining borders and the status of Jerusalem. However, accepting its right to exist establishes its credentials in conversations about its future – in which it must be centrally involved.

It should be remembered that 143 UN members have already recognised a Palestinian state. Washington has also been a strong supporter of a two-state solution.

However, the US believes it should be realised through direct negotiations between the parties, not unilateral recognition.

However, as Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Store said: “In the midst of a war, with tens of thousands killed and injured, we must keep alive the only alternative that offers a political solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Two states, living side by side, in peace and security.”

Doing the right thing isn’t always rewarded. But the international community cannot sit in silence and surrender to the concept of forever war.