Ireland officially recognizes Palestinian state

Ireland on Wednesday officially recognized the Palestinian state, Prime Minister Simon Harris announced at a Dublin press conference.

Harris said the decision was taken last month and he had confirmed that Ireland would take this step alongside Spain.

“Today, Ireland, Norway and Spain are announcing that we recognize the state of Palestine," he said, adding: “Each of us will now undertake whatever national steps are necessary to give effect to that decision."

Harris said he has “spoken with a number of other leaders and counterparts and I'm confident that further countries will join us in taking this important step in the coming weeks.”

“This is a historic and important day for Ireland and for Palestine,” he said.