Ireland ⁣Joins 14 Nations in Call for Gaza Ceasefire and Two-State Solution

New York – Ireland, through Tánaiste Simon‍ Harris, has joined 14 other ⁤foreign ministers‍ in a joint statement demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the implementation ‍of a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians. The significant declaration was made at the High-level International Conference ⁤for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution held in New York this ⁤week.The conference, ⁢attended by over 130 UN Member States, underscored the dire humanitarian⁤ crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access.

International Pressure Mounts⁣ for ⁢Peace

The joint statement, also signed by ministers ⁣from Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, and ⁢Spain,⁤ signals a unified international push for de-escalation and a lasting peace.

Tánaiste Harris stated⁣ that the conference demonstrated ⁤”another way forward,” highlighting the ⁤international community’s demand for an ‍”immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal”⁤ alongside critical humanitarian aid for gaza. he affirmed Ireland’s readiness to take “concrete steps” towards⁣ realizing ⁣the⁣ two-state solution.

“Ireland is doubling down on our commitment to achieve a just, lasting peace where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in peace and security,”‍ Harris declared. “We will continue to do all in our power to work for that peace.”

Minister of⁣ State for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment, Emer Higgins, represented Ireland at the conference.

Recognition of Palestinian State Gains Momentum

A key outcome of the conference was the collective call from the 15 Western nations for countries worldwide to formally recognize a Palestinian state. This push follows‍ recent announcements from France and the United Kingdom.

President Emmanuel Macron of France declared last week his intention to‍ formally recognize Palestinian statehood in September, a move that has drawn strong opposition from Israel and ⁣the United States. France is actively seeking⁢ to ⁢build momentum for this recognition.In a parallel ⁢progress, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the⁢ UK will formally recognize the ⁢State of Palestine in September, contingent on Israel taking “substantive steps,” including ⁤agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza. If enacted, thes moves by France and the UK would mark the first⁣ time G7⁢ nations have formally‍ recognized a Palestinian state.

The⁢ joint statement reiterated the ‍signatories’ “unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-state solution.” Notably,nine of the signatory nations,which have not yet ⁤recognized a Palestinian state,expressed their willingness‍ or positive consideration to do so,including ⁤Australia,Canada,and New Zealand.

During the conference, seventeen countries, alongside the european union and the Arab League, also joined calls for Hamas⁢ to disarm and end its rule in Gaza, aiming⁣ to bring an end to the ongoing conflict ⁤in the Palestinian territory.