As of yesterday, the Irish government recognises Palestine as a sovereign and independent state and has agreed to establish full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah.

Overall, Palestine is now recognised as a sovereign state by 145 of 193 UN member states and nearly half of European countries, including Norway and Spain which announced recognition in conjunction with Ireland.

Following yesterday’s move, an Irish ambassador to Palestine will be appointed along with the establishment of a full Irish embassy in Ramallah.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “This decision of Ireland is about keeping hope alive. It is about believing that a two-state solution is the only way for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security.

“We had wanted to recognise Palestine at the end of a peace process however we have made this move alongside Spain and Norway to keep the miracle of peace alive. I again call on prime minister Netanyahu of Israel to listen to the world and stop the humanitarian catastrophe we are seeing in Gaza.”

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said: “Today’s decision by government represents our conviction that a political path is the only way to break the cycle of dispossession, subjugation, dehumanisation, terrorism and death that has blighted the lives of Israelis and Palestinians for decades.

“Prospects for a lasting peace have never been more in peril and it is imperative we act now, alongside our like-minded partners, to protect the viability of a two-state solution and the equal rights of Palestinians and Israelis to self-determination, peace, security and dignity.”

Minister Eamon Ryan added: “What the people of Palestine ask of us is not outrageous or extravagant. If anything, it is modest. The wish to be recognised as a state like any other, to control their own affairs and to speak for themselves on the international stage. Today, Ireland recognises that wish.

“We also reiterate that Ireland unambiguously recognises Israel’s right to exist. Our expectation is that the establishment of a Palestinian state will only serve to solidify Israel’s existence by allowing it to grow in peace and harmony with its neighbours.”