Aontú deputy leader Gemma Brolly welcomes Irish government's recognition of the State of Palestine

Aontú Deputy Leader Gemma Brolly has warmly welcomed the announcement today by the Irish, Norwegian and Spanish Governments that they will recognise the State of Palestine.

Speaking today, the East Derry representative said: “I am delighted to see this announcement today from the Irish Government. This is testament to the months of campaigning by people on the ground highlighting the urgent need to address what has been happening in Palestine – the action that has increased in recent years and months has forced this decision today.  Today’s news echoes international demands at the UN General Assembly to push to full UN membership for Palestine. It is also a shocking state of affairs in this current age, when an organisation, let alone the International Criminal Court must issue a warrant of arrest for the Prime Minister of any country. The ICC are currently seeking arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders, accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

"That Israel has now recalled its Ambassador for consultation is unsurprising.  The Ambassador in Dublin had been given ample opportunity to respond to Ireland’s pressure arising from the current situation in Gaza, and whilst we want to see the return of Hamas hostages, the hugely disproportionate response by the Israeli State has heightened already serious concerns about human rights in the region.”

The Aontú Deputy Leader continued: "We are extremely proud of our own Blinne Ní Ghralaigh and the example she is setting for so many across the world. Many of our representatives in positions of authority could learn from Ms Ní Ghralaigh. We must do all we can to end this horror and bring peace, to ensure aid and support reaches those in need and those responsible are held accountable for their actions."