A host of famous faces have supported Ireland’s decision to formally recognise the state of Palestine.
On Wednesday, Taoiseach Simon Harris, Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Minister Eamon Ryan announced that Ireland will recognise the State of Palestine, effective from May 28th.
Following months of consultation with like-minded countries across Europe and the Middle East, Ireland made the announcement on the same day as Spain and Norway.
Mr Harris said the decision was not against Israel nor in favour of Hamas, but in support of peace.
Since the news hit headlines, a number of Irish stars have backed the decision online.
Nicola Coughlan, Doireann Garrihy, Vogue Williams, Erica Cody and Thalia Heffernan shared the announcement on their Instagram Stories, as well as Kathryn Thomas, Síle Seoige and Baz Ashmawy.
Irish actress Nicola has been particularly vocal about what’s been happening in Gaza over the past few months, and has been wearing a ceasefire pin during the Bridgerton press tour.
The 37-year-old has joined a host of celebrities wearing the Artists4Ceasefire pin – which is calling for an end to the bombing in Gaza and the safe release of hostages.
Artists4Ceasefire describe themselves as “a collective of artists and advocates who have come together in response to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Israel and Palestine.”
“We are here to lend our voices and our platforms to amplify the global call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the safe return of all hostages, and the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilians in Gaza.”
They continued: “We stand for our common humanity and a future rooted in freedom, justice, dignity and peace for all people. We cannot be silent. Compassion must prevail.”
The meaning behind the pin is explained as: “The Artists4Ceasefire enamel pin is composed of a red background to symbolize the urgency of the call to save lives.”
“The orange hand conveys the beautiful community of people from all backgrounds that have come together in support of centering our shared humanity.”
“The heart being cradled in the center of the hand is an invitation for us to lead with our hearts, always, to lead with love. When we lead with love, we understand that all of our fellow beings deserve to be loved and protected.”
Many other stars, such as Billie Eilish and Mark Ruffalo, have shared their support for a Gaza ceasefire by wearing the pin.
In Wednesday’s announcement, Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “Ireland today recognises Palestine as a nation among nations with all the rights and responsibilities that entails.
“Ireland has for many decades recognised the State of Israel and its right to exist in peace and security. We had hoped to recognise Palestine as part of a two-state peace deal but instead we recognise Palestine to keep the hope of that two-state solution alive.
“Ireland’s dream is that the Israeli and Palestinian children of May 28th 2024 will grow up to be neighbours at peace. Both the Palestinian and Israeli people are inherently kind and decent.
“The only way to stop war and death is by tapping into those qualities in both nations. We want to thank and are honoured to recognise Palestine at the same time as our friends in Spain and Norway. We are hopeful others will do the same in the next wave.”
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said: “Today’s decision to recognise the State of Palestine on May 28th is a historic moment for Ireland.
“It is our deeply-held belief that there can be no peace in the Middle East until the Israeli and Palestinian people alike enjoy the same rights to self-determination, statehood, peace, security and dignity. Recognition of Palestine is not the end of a process; it is the beginning.
“It is our conviction that the two-State solution remains the only viable option to secure a just and lasting peace, and a better future. I will also continue to work tirelessly on the immediate priority of securing a ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of hostages, and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.”
Speaking on RTÉ’s Six One News, the Taoiseach further stressed that Hamas was not the Palestinian people, and Ireland’s position on Israel or Hamas should not be misrepresented.
“Hamas is not the Palestinian people, and that is a really important point of differentiation. Ireland deplores the actions of Hamas, it is an illegal terrorist organisation, and what they did on 7 October in Israel was an absolute massacre,” he said.
“Our position on Israel, our position on Hamas should never be misrepresented. We recognise the state of Israel, its right to exist in peace and security alongside its neighbours.”
However, Mr Harris argued this can be done while also understanding there are children in Palestine going to sleep at night unsure if they will wake up in the morning.
