The recent escalation of Israel’s conflict with Gaza has reignited global efforts to push for Palestinian statehood, with several countries, including Ireland, Norway, and Spain, recognizing Palestine as a state. This move represents a departure from the traditional stance of Western powers, which have long held that Palestinian statehood should only be achieved through negotiations with Israel.

The decision by these countries to recognize Palestine has angered Israel and highlights the growing international support for Palestinian sovereignty. With this latest development, 145 out of the 193 UN member states have now recognized Palestine as a state, including many countries from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

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In response to the Irish Cabinet’s decision to recognize Palestine, the Irish Government will await a formal request from the Palestinian Authority. Upon receiving the request, the Government will upgrade the status of the Palestinian Mission in Ireland to that of an Embassy and authorize the appointment of an Ambassador from the State of Palestine.

Dr. Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, the current head of the Palestinian Mission in Dublin, is expected to become the Ambassador of the State of Palestine. A formal ceremony is likely to be arranged at Áras an Uachtaráin with President Michael D Higgins to mark the occasion.

Additionally, it is anticipated that Feilim McLaughlin, who currently heads the Irish mission in Ramallah, will assume the role of Irish Ambassador to Palestine, further solidifying diplomatic relations between the two nations.