Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has described Ireland recognising the state of Palestine as a ‘hugely significant occasion’ and once again called for a permanent ceasefire.

Speaking in the Assembly today, the Party’s National Chairperson said:

“Today is a hugely significant moment as Dáil Éireann finally recognises the state of Palestine. 

“On Sunday night, Israeli missiles were fired at tents in Rafah, and we witnessed horrendous scenes of charred remains and bodies under the rubble of a refugee camp in ruins.

“This atrocity was Israel’s response to the latest ICJ order for an end to the slaughter of the Palestinian people, and the announcements by Ireland, Spain and Norway.

“The international community must finally take a robust stand against Israel’s war machine. Comprehensive political and economic sanctions must be applied. Arms embargoes must be imposed. 

“More must be done to maximise international pressure. Every opportunity must be used to demand a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the West Bank, unimpeded humanitarian aid into Gaza, and, an end to settler colonialism.”