Belfast lawyer Paul Tweed has issued libel proceedings in Dublin against Facebook and Twitter on behalf of exiled Palestinian politician Mohammed Dahlan, The Irish News reports.

Mr Dahlan, a former chief of Fatah’s security force in Gaza who was later exiled by Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, is reportedly planning a return to frontline politics in Gaza.

The new proceedings in Dublin are linked to existing proceedings in London against the publishers of Middle East Eye concerning allegations related to armed conflict in Turkey and Syria.

Mr Tweed told The Irish News: “I can confirm that proceedings have been issued and are ongoing in the High court in London against the publishers of Middle East Eye.

“My client is also taking legal action against Facebook and Twitter in the High Court in Dublin in relation to the republication of the offending article. My client is determined to set the record straight and vindicate his reputation in all appropriate jurisdiction.”