The Prime Minister of Ireland rules out that Israel could be “surprised” by the recognition of Palestine

May 23. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The Irish Prime Minister, Simon Harris, has assured that Israel could not be “surprised” by the step announced on Wednesday by Ireland, Spain and Norway to formally recognize the State of Palestine next week and has insisted that, in his opinion, it is “the right decision” despite the current context of tension in the Middle East.

“The two-state solution is the only way to bring peace and stability to the people of Israel and the people of Palestine,” he argued in statements to journalists, confident that recognition will serve to move towards “a peace process.” “reports ‘The Irish Times’.

Harris, who last Friday had a “very good” conversation with the Israeli president, Isaac Herzog, “firm but respectful”, has suggested that the step taken the day before was already foreseeable. “I don’t think anyone in the world, much less in Israel, was surprised by the decision of Ireland, Norway and Spain,” he added.

Likewise, he wanted to make it clear that Ireland also recognizes Israel “and its right to live in peace and security”, regardless of whether it understands that “the people of Palestine also have the right to live in peace and security” and whether it sees it necessary to put an end to the “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza, scene of a military offensive that has already left more than 35,000 dead.

The simultaneous announcement by the heads of government of Ireland, Spain and Norway led to the call for consultations of the Israeli ambassadors in these three countries. For the Israeli Executive, the gesture represents a reward for Hamas terrorism, responsible for the murder of some 1,200 people in unprecedented attacks on October 7, 2023.