Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz has taken to social media to criticise Ireland’s decision to recognise the state of Palestine, writing to Taoiseach Simon Harris that “Hamas thanks you for your service”.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Katz said: “Ireland, if your goal was to reward terrorism by declaring support for a Palestinian state, you’ve achieved it.
“Simon Harris TD, Hamas thanks you for your service.”
The post includes a 19-second video which opens with a picture of the Irish tricolour and is soundtracked by Irish traditional music.
The footage – captioned “Hamas: Thanks Ireland” – shows footage of the Palestinian militant groups 7 October attack on Israel interspersed with Irish dancing.
Ireland, if your goal was to reward terrorism by declaring support for a Palestinian state, you’ve achieved it.@SimonHarrisTD, Hamas thanks you for your service. pic.twitter.com/mgz7ZGtnCi
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) May 23, 2024
Yesterday, Mr Harris announced that Ireland is formally recognising the state of Palestine.
Mr Harris, Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan addressed Ireland’s intentions at a news conference at Government Buildings.
“This is an historic and important day for Ireland and for Palestine,” the Taoiseach said.
“On 21 January 1919, Ireland asked the world to recognise our rights to be an independent state.
“Our message to the free nations of the world was a plea for international recognition of our independence, emphasising our distinct national identity, our historical struggle, and our rights to self-determination and justice.
“Today, we use the same language to support the recognition of Palestine as a state.”
Spain and Norway also announced that they will recognise Palestinian statehood.
Formal recognition will be declared next Tuesday.
