Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris announced on Friday that Ireland and Spain are moving closer to recognizing Palestinian statehood. The declaration came during talks in Dublin with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is currently on a European tour seeking support for the initiative.
The announcement follows Norway’s expression of readiness to recognize a Palestinian state during Sanchez’s visit earlier the same day. Sanchez’s European tour, which includes stops in Poland, aims to gather backing for the Palestinian cause, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Spanish government.
Harris, who assumed office just three days prior following the abrupt resignation of his predecessor Leo Varadkar, reiterated Ireland’s longstanding commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state. “Our assessment is that that point is coming much closer, and we would like to move together in doing so,” stated Harris during a joint press conference with Sanchez.
Sanchez emphasized that countries willing to recognize Palestine would do so “when the conditions are appropriate,” expressing support for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations.
Earlier in the day, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store echoed similar sentiments, affirming Norway’s readiness to recognize the state of Palestine. However, Store stressed the importance of coordination with like-minded countries and refrained from setting a firm timetable for recognition.
In November, Norway’s parliament adopted a proposal to be prepared for recognizing an independent Palestinian state. Store also highlighted Norway’s history of facilitating Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in the 1990s, leading to the Oslo Accords.
Spain, along with Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia, issued a statement in March indicating readiness to recognize Palestine under suitable circumstances. Sanchez had previously expressed hope for recognition by the end of June.
Store welcomed Sanchez’s efforts to consult with other countries to enhance coordination, pledging to intensify these efforts in the coming weeks.
Sanchez’s outspoken advocacy for Palestinian statehood has previously provoked criticism from Israel, while Harris’s recent statements also drew rebuke from the Israeli government.
