It's been confirmed Ireland will formally recognise Palestine as an independent state.
The Palestinian flag flies at the United Nations in New York, 30-9-15. Image: dpa picture alliance / AlamyTaoiseach Simon Harris has made the announcement this morning, with the recognition formally taking effect on May 28th.
Norway and Spain are also officially recognising Palestine - and Israel has recalled its ambassadors from Dublin and Oslo in protest.
Taoiseach Simon Harris says this is an historic day.
'From our own history we know what it means, recognition is act of powerful political and symbolic value. It is an expression of our view that Palestine holds and should be able to vindicate to vindicate the full rights of the State including self determination, self governance territorial integrity and security as well as recognising Palestine's own obligations under international law.'
