The historic recognition today of the State of Palestine by Ireland was welcomed warmly by the Executive Council of Congress at its meeting today.
Congress General Secretary Owen Reidy added, "This is a very welcome development, as it clearly affirms the right of Palestinians to self-determination in a sovereign Palestinian state”.
However, as the Taoiseach himself remarked, “The pathway to peace never seemed more remote than at any point since Norway brokered a deal back in 1993 under the "Oslo Accords".
That is indeed the grim backdrop to today's historic announcement and Ireland must ensure avoidance of this becoming purely a symbolic gesture, a real danger unless it is accompanied by decisive action to end the war on Gaza and prevent further war crimes.
It is the view of Congress that recognition needs to be followed by real steps to hold Israel to account for its war crimes against the Palestinian people. We have seen Israeli actions for many years being carried out with impunity and no consequences for the Israeli Government and a continuation of this approach will continue to undermine any possibility of a Palestinian state in reality. There are a number of live options that the Irish Government can implement including by enacting the Occupied Territories Bill and the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill in the Oireachtas.
Polls here have shown majority support for the introduction of such sanctions and Palestinians are looking to Ireland to lead in the international community and asking “if not now, when?”
