What did Ireland realize?
Ireland will recognize a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, which means the borders are based on the situation before Israel’s occupation of parts of the West Bank and East Jerusalem. This rationale derives from various resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the General Assembly.
Does this mean that Ireland recognises a particular government?
Ratings are given to states, not governments. The Palestinian Authority (PA), the Fatah-led secular government that administers the West Bank, is recognized as the country’s governing authority, although it does not have full powers, and is subject to Irish recognition. The same will be true. within that area. During peacetime, Hamas controls the Gaza Strip, while Israel controls East Jerusalem and much of the West Bank.
how did we get here?
Prime Minister Simon Harris, Deputy Prime Minister Michael Martin and other senior officials have been working behind the scenes for some time, holding meetings and discussions around each Foreign Affairs Council since December. Martin, who is also foreign secretary, had been engaged in shuttle diplomacy for several months, dating back to a dinner he hosted for like-minded countries on January 21 to discuss possible recognition.
This was followed by a series of calls and talks with the UAE, Jordan, Norway, Palestine, Iraq, Egypt and Spain through March, and further backchanneling with Slovenia and Norway in April and May.
His trip to the Middle East in April was also flagged as important by allies before his final telephone conversation with the Palestinian prime minister last night. The Foreign Office also warned of plans with the US, EU countries and Israel as part of a surprise strategy. It is understood that the US government did not send anything back that would give it reason to lift the handbrake, but sources in Dublin admit that it would not have been the US government’s first action.
When does this start?
The decision by Ireland, Spain and Norway to officially recognize Palestine will come into effect on May 28th. Each of the three countries will have to go through a different process, and all governments will have completed their respective necessary steps by that date.
Do you have any awareness of Hamas?
No. Ireland recognizes the PA as the legitimate governing body of the entire Occupied Palestinian Territories and, along with the EU, considers Hamas a terrorist organization. Hamas has welcomed the move, which is seen as a disappointing if not surprising development in Dublin.
What about Israeli settlers?
Ireland’s position remains that regardless of whether Palestine is recognized as a state, these are illegal settlements under international law.
Is there a need for a government decision here?
Although there was no advance warning, there was in fact a formal government decision to recognize a Palestinian state on Tuesday and that coalition leaders would announce it at the appropriate time. Another decision on the certification date could come next week. There’s some talk about Dale’s argument, even if it’s not technically necessary.
What does this mean for diplomatic missions in Ramallah and Dublin?
Both will be upgraded to the status of embassies rather than their current diplomatic missions or representative missions. Fayrim McLaughlin, currently Head of Mission in Ramallah, will become Ireland’s Ambassador to Palestine, and Dr Gilan Wahabah Abdalmajid, currently Ambassador and Head of Mission in Dublin, will become Ambassador to the State of Palestine.
What is the broader context for this?
Norway, Spain and Ireland maintain that the move is part of a broader effort to return to a political path towards a two-state solution that recognises the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood. Ireland believes that a fundamental shift in dynamics has occurred that now requires recognition of Palestine, which was previously envisaged under the Oslo Accords as coming towards the end of a broader two-state solution peace process and negotiations leading to settlement and agreement. Ireland, Spain and Norway believe that this will allow both states to be seen as equally legitimate and move forward.
Another important backdrop is the Arab Peace Vision that Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the Palestinians have been working on in recent months. It has been submitted to the US side and will be formally presented for the first time to European foreign ministers in Brussels on Sunday.
This vision, which Ireland sees as the only game in the game to end the current conflict and build pressure for a two-state solution and ultimately a political solution, calls for European powers to take Palestine as a pull-down option. We ask that you recognize this as a core part. Combine two-state solutions.
What impact will that have on Ireland-Israel relations?
Not a very good thing, I have to say. Officials in Dublin are adamant that this is a recognition of the sovereignty and equal aspirations of both countries, and is seen as a move towards a peaceful two-state solution, not a hostile move towards Israel. This is obviously not an acceptable explanation in Israel, where the Irish ambassador will likely be summoned by the Jerusalem government and receive a stern demarche (diplomatic reprimand).
Reports in Israel said Ireland, Norway and Spain would be “isolated” diplomatically there, not being called to briefings, not being given updates and requests being delayed. Meanwhile, Israel’s ambassadors here, in Oslo and in Madrid have been temporarily recalled, a move expected by Ireland and likely to minimize any potential backlash. Dublin does not anticipate any impact on Irish nationals living in Israel or the small number of Defense Force personnel. Ireland has no plans to recall its ambassador to Israel.
Is that all we can hope for?
Ivy House officials are envisioning various scenarios. When Sweden recognized Palestine in 2014, there were no political visits for a long time, contacts between political leaders were very limited, and obstacles were placed in Sweden’s way regarding access to Gaza. However, Ireland believes it is difficult to say exactly what will happen. A possible move could restrict Ireland’s activities and development plans in Palestine. Contingency planning and mitigation efforts are underway in Dublin to deal with what could happen next, with hopes that joint action with Spain and Norway will give Israel pause to think about possible sanctions. are doing.
What happens next?
The Arab peace vision mentioned above will be presented to European leaders on Sunday, and the Council of Foreign Ministers will meet on Monday. However, as the region remains divided over the issue, no action is expected at the EU level. Ireland is expected to continue its multilateral and bilateral efforts to persuade other like-minded countries to recognize Palestine, and it appears to be only a matter of time before the Slovenian government recognizes the decision, and Malta too. It seems likely that a similar move will be made. Belgium is also mentioned in the dispatch. Ireland will also maintain contact with Saudi Arabia, the US and the Palestinians on a peace vision, with the hope that a gradual process will emerge.
What happens when borders change?
Officials believe that recognizing Palestine does not contradict the idea that borders could be changed in land swaps agreed to as the culmination of the two-state solution process, and that the final A country can be recognized without a formal definition, and Ireland claims to have recognized Israel. A time when there were no internationally recognized borders.
