Tánaiste welcomes decisions today by Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom to recognise the State of Palestine

"The decisions of the UK, Canada and Australia to recognise the State of Palestine are very welcome.

"Their announcement today means there are now over 150 countries, including Ireland which took the decision to do so last year, who recognise Palestinian statehood.

"A number of States are expected to make similar announcements tomorrow at the UN in New York.

"Recognition upholds the principle that Palestine should be able to vindicate the full rights of a state – including self-determination, self-governance, territorial integrity and security – as well as recognise its own obligations under international law.

"Today's announcement is also a recognition of the intolerable humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and the need to inject fresh impetus into bringing about a just, lasting peace where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side, in two states, Israel and Palestine, in peace, security and dignity.

"We need to see a ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and humanitarian access at scale into Gaza.

"This conflict has gone on for too long, at an unbearable cost in death and human suffering. A different future is possible. So we now need a political pathway, to achieve a lasting peace, and silence the guns for ever.

"We will continue to do all in our power to work for that peace.

"I look forward to engaging with colleagues at the UN General Assembly this week and to meeting counterparts at the International Peace Institute this evening (Sunday) to specifically discuss today’s announcement."

ENDS

Press Office

21 September 2025