Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes. For some time now, Saudi Arabia, the Palestinian Authority, Jordan, the UAE, Egypt and Qatar have been working on an Arab peace initiative framework that would endeavour to be as comprehensive as possible, embracing Palestinian self-determination, a ceasefire in Gaza, guarantees to Israel's security, normalisation in terms of the Israeli-Saudi relationship and so on. Our officials were also working with Jordanian and Egyptian officials around the question of making sure that recognition would be a part of that plan. Our understanding is that framework has been presented to the United States and we believe it will be presented to the European Union shortly. The issue we were partly holding out for on recognition was to see whether we could dovetail with the publication of that peace initiative to give strength and impetus to it at the time of its publication, in particular, that recognition might give hope to Palestinians and what I might term as modern Palestinian leadership, as well as citizens in respect of the world saying we are with them regarding their right to determination.

I have spoken to Minister Safadi and others, such as Minister Shoukry in Egypt, and I have suggested they make the presentation to Europe. That may happen soon, at least in terms of the like-minded states. It has been very important for a contact and relationship we have built up because I do believe it will ultimately need a peace initiative. It will depend on Israel's willingness to engage and be part of a sustained and sustainable peace process.