ieExplains: Ireland has recognised the State of Palestine. What does that change? 

Ireland has recognised the State of Palestine, which is based on 1967 borders referenced in the United Nations Security Council resolution 242 (1967).

The 1967 borders acknowledge that land which has since been occupied by Israel settlers is in fact Palestinian territory.

The Taoiseach and Tánaiste have made it clear that recognising Palestine does not equate to recognising Hamas, which the Government has repeatedly condemned as a terrorist organisation.

Both Simon Harris and Micheál Martin have stressed that it is the State and not the government that is being acknowledged.

What does formal recognition change in real terms?

While many have pointed to the symbolism of acknowledging a Palestinian State, formal recognition will also bring about changes both in Ireland and Palestine.

The recognition will mean the establishment of full diplomatic relations.

This includes:

• The upgrading of the Palestinian Mission in Ireland to an Embassy, subject to a formal request from the Palestinian authorities.
• The appointment of an Ambassador to Ireland from the State of Palestine, subject to a formal request and Government approval.

The Irish Government will also now move to make similar changes.

Ireland has a diplomatic team based in the Representative Office in Ramallah, which works to promote relations between the Irish and Palestinian people.

A key element of this work is supporting the Palestinian Authority to assist its efforts to build a viable, sovereign and democratic Palestinian State. But the team also works closely with the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and other organisations.

Recognition means:

• The Representative Office of Ireland in Ramallah will now be upgraded to an Embassy.
• The Irish Representative to Palestine title, a position currently held by Feilim McLaughlin, will also be changed to the Irish Ambassador to the State of Palestine.

Why now?

Ireland was the first EU Member State to endorse the idea of Palestinian statehood in 1980.

The Programme for Government states that Ireland will “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”.

However, the Government has stated that the sustained Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip — specifically on the civilian population, as well as the denial of sufficient humanitarian aid over a sustained period of time, has made this process more urgent.

A number of European States have concluded that Palestinian self-determination can no longer wait until the end of a process of negotiations between the parties.

What other countries recognise Palestine and what other States might follow?

Ireland, Spain and Norway have moved in a joint action to recognise the State of Palestine. 

A number of other EU states including Malta and Slovenia have indicated they could follow. Observers are also closley watching France, which could also move to recognise Palestine in the near future.