Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Ireland's recognition of the state of Palestine is an historic step in the struggle for freedom, self-determination and human rights for the Palestinian people.

I commend all those who campaigned for this over many decades.

Today, the people of Gaza continue to endure slaughter, displacement and starvation inflicted upon them by an Israel that acts with impunity. Israel's attacks on Gaza are war crimes. Ireland can and must take an active role within the international community in pushing for an immediate and full ceasefire and to hold Israel to account. The Government must follow today's important announcement by enacting the occupied territories Bill and taking the lead in Europe in pushing for sanctions against Israel. Will the Government take these important steps? Will the Taoiseach outline the arrangements for the formal recognition, which I understand will take place next Tuesday?

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