Sorca Clarke
Question:59. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his reason for not recognising the state of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49696/23]
View answerTuesday, 14 November 2023
Questions (59)
Written answers
The Programme for Government states that the Government will “honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict, or in advance of that, when we believe doing so will progress efforts to reach a two-State solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory”.
As I have said previously, the absence of progress towards a two-State solution, I would be prepared to recommend to the Government recognition by Ireland of a State of Palestine, if and when it might be helpful. This is something that is kept under constant review, in line with the progress report on the implementation of the Programme for Government.
The current situation in Gaza, and more broadly in respect of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict is of deep concern. Ireland's focus at present is on making every effort at EU and UN level to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale and the unconditional release of all hostages in Gaza, as well as facilitating the departure of Irish citizens from Gaza and working for the release of Emily Hand, the 8 year old Irish-Israeli citizen who is believed to be a hostage in Gaza.