Speech
Tánaiste Micheal Martin's remarks on Palestinian Statehood
From Department of Foreign Affairs
By: Minister for Foreign Affairs; Micheál Martin
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
By: Minister for Foreign Affairs; Micheál Martin
Published on
Last updated on
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The decision yesterday by Government to recognise the State of Palestine, which will formally take effect on 28 May, is a historic moment for Ireland.
It is a clear and immutable statement of our deeply-held belief that there can be no peace in the Middle East until the Israeli and Palestinian peoples alike enjoy the same rights to self-determination, statehood, peace, security and dignity.
The principle of equality is the foundation for justice, for peaceful co-existence, and for a better future.
And that is why today, with this principle under concerted attack across the Middle East, that we have taken this step.
Few states in the world have invested as much intensive diplomatic engagement, energy and application as Ireland into supporting, nurturing and protecting the viability of a negotiated pathway to the realisation of that statehood, on equal and sovereign terms, for Palestinians and Israelis.
Over decades, we have engaged with the governments, leaders and peoples of the Middle East.
In recent months we have worked intensively with European and Arab partners to ensure that our decision to recognise a Palestinian state would be taken as part of a comprehensive, political framework that can finally end this brutal conflict.
It is with a heavy heart that we watch those intent on imposing by force a future based on violence, domination, subordination and exclusion, become some of the most prominent voices in Israel and Palestine today.
We reject that future.
Instead, we endorse a future that so many people, in the Middle East and internationally, have put so much time and energy and commitment into developing over decades – one based on mutual respect, equality, and on two states for two peoples.
It is important that our decision to recognise Palestine is not misrepresented as a hostile act towards the State of Israel.
We unequivocally support the right of the State of Israel to exist and the right of the Israeli people to peaceful self-determination, just as we unequivocally support the right of the State of Palestine to exist, and the right of the Palestinian people to peaceful self-determination.
We acknowledge the heartbreak, loss and anguish of the Israeli people. We condemn without equivocation the savagery of Hamas on October 7th.
We recognise, validate and agree with your desire to live in security and dignity, as a strong, vibrant and independent state.
Just as we acknowledge the heartbreak, loss and anguish of the Palestinian people and recognise, validate and agree with your desire to live in security as a strong, vibrant and independent state.
Israeli and Palestinian citizens alike are a valued and cherished part of our society here in Ireland, and I challenge and reject anyone who would seek to delegitimise either’s history, culture, or beliefs.
In recognising the State of Palestine, we also unambiguously reject those, in Palestine and in Israel, who call for the entirety of the land between the Mediterranean Sea and the River Jordan to be a mono-ethnic state, based either on forcible exile or subjugation.
A new pathway is needed towards the aim that is overwhelmingly endorsed by the international community; a two-state solution based on 1967 borders, with the State of Israel, and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign, and viable State of Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security and mutual recognition, with Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both states.
A solution that will bring to an end the 57 year Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory.
To realise that aim, we believe that the parties must, in the future, meet as equals – as two states, with the responsibility to come to a final settlement in direct negotiations.
Today, we make clear to the Palestinian people that our relationship with you is one of two equal states and – as described in the UN Charter - on the basis of respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to strengthen universal peace.
We are also clear that in order for the State of Palestine to become the reality that its people aspire to, much is needed from its leadership.
Just as we will always affirm Palestine’s legitimate rights as a State, we will always expect Palestine to fulfil its obligations, as we do of all States. The Palestinian people are entitled to democracy, to human rights, to good governance, and to the rule of law, and the State of Palestine must provide this.
This is a future that we passionately believe in, and we will continue to support you in building this future.
Recognition of Palestine is not the end of a process; it is the beginning. On Sunday, I travel to Brussels to meet more than 40 Arab, European and other international partners, to discuss how recognition can make a concrete, practical impact to ending this horrible conflict and implementing a two state solution; based on a comprehensive vision of piece that the Arab states have developed.
I will also continue to work tirelessly on the immediate priority of securing a ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of hostages, and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
There is a long road ahead.
And today, Ireland says unambiguously that this road must be walked by Israelis and Palestinians on the basis of an equal right to sovereignty, dignity and peace.