Óige Ghlas believes that Ireland must proactively support the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, national independence and sovereignty in Palestine.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin recently announced that the Government is in favour of recognising Palestine, and that the timing of such recognition would be dependent on its impact on reaching a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Óige Ghlas wants to see a sovereign, independent and peaceful Palestinian state.

Palestine has not been treated as an equal member of the community of sovereign states, and recognition has long been treated as a card to play against Palestinians, only delivered upon at the completion of negotiations.

All talks up to this point between Israel and Palestine have not been on equal footing. Without state recognition, Palestinians are placed in an inferior position to Israel, which not only leverages its military and economic might to occupy Palestinian land, but does so with the legitimacy of a formal state.

Ireland can contribute to successfully securing a negotiated two state solution by recognising the self-determination of Palestinians. This would align with our stated values of peace, justice and respect for international law. As important as this symbolism is, it still does not go far enough. Until such a time as Palestine exists as a free and independent state, Óige Ghlas will also continue to support the Occupied Territories Bill.

The “right time” for recognition is now. The time for peace is now.