Public Comment

The recent decision by Ireland to officially recognize Palestine as a state, joining Norway and Spain, is a landmark moment deeply connected to Ireland's long history of colonization and famine. This move, celebrated by many on the streets of Dublin, reflects Ireland’s long-standing solidarity with the Palestinian people and its decades-long experience of oppression. Catherine Connolly, an independent member of the Irish parliament, eloquently expressed this sentiment, highlighting the frustration that it took so long for this recognition to happen but celebrating it as a significant step towards peace. 

Connolly emphasizes that this recognition is not merely symbolic. It should be the beginning of a series of actions, such as inspecting planes at Shannon Airport for American weaponry, enacting the Occupied Territories Bill to ban Israeli produce from these areas, and leveraging the EU's human rights clauses to halt trade with Israel until significant progress is made towards peace and justice for Palestinians. 

Ireland’s recognition of Palestine is a reflection of its values and historical experiences. Just as Ireland fought for recognition as a state over a century ago, it now stands with Palestine in its struggle. Ireland's history of famine and colonization has taught it to speak out against injustice, and this decision aligns with its tradition of neutrality and commitment to peace. 

This recognition is not just a political gesture; it is a call to action for further measures to support peace and justice. It is a proud moment for Ireland, reflecting the will of the people and their historical solidarity with those facing decades of oppression dating back to the first Nakba (catastrophe) in 1948, when Jewish armed gangs (Irgun (Etzel), the Stern Gang (Lehi), and the Haganah, which later became the core of the Israel Defense Forces, or IDF) were armed and funded by the UK and the United States. Thus, the resistance to Israeli occupation did not start on October 7 but in 1948.