Irish Lawmaker: Recognizing Palestine as a State Is Rooted in Our History of Colonization & Famine
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Published 2024-05-23
Three European nations have announced plans to recognize the State of Palestine, joining 143 other countries around the world in formal recognition. Leaders in Ireland, Norway and Spain cited a desire to support a political solution to the ongoing conflict in Gaza as the driving force behind the announcements, while Israel responded by recalling its ambassadors from all three countries. Israel's Ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich called the move a "prize for terrorism." Catherine Connolly, an independent member of the Irish parliament, rejects Erlich's characterization, instead calling recognition "a step for peace" and a "direct result of people's outrage and upset" over Israeli brutality in Palestine. She connects the Palestinian national struggle with Ireland's own fight for recognition at the League of Nations just over a century ago and its history with famine and colonialism. "Our solidarity is with people who suffer in any way, but particularly from famine," Connolly says. "Next Tuesday will be historical, when we raise the Palestinian flag on the grounds of our parliament."
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All Comments (21)
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Ireland suffered tremendously over the centuries by its proximity to England.
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As a Spaniard ❤I am a proud that Spain recognizes Gaza as a state , great 👍
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You chose one of the best in Ireland. Catherine is from Galway, where I live. We love her. She cycles around the city on her bike, is the people’s person, champion for the disadvantaged, and a voice for the oppressed. A great woman, full of moral integrity, we are so proud of her. Most American politicians are paid off and have sold their souls. They are devoid of morality.
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"I'd prefer not to respond to the Israeli ambassador, because she's had access to our airwaves for a very long time and she's failed to learn anything." 🔥
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Prior to the potato famine in Ireland in 1845, Ireland's population was estimated to be 8 million. Ireland is probably the only country in the world that has fewer people in it today than it had in 1845. That was no accident. It was due to a deliberate campaign of ethnic cleansing by the British colonial overlords who historically deemed Catholic Ireland as a threat to British security.
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THANKS A LOT IRELAND 🇮🇪, SPAIN 🇪🇸 ,AND NORWAY 🇳🇴!!
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Ireland has its own history, it is not over yet. I have been to Dublin several times, rarely have I seen a people know their history of independence so well, the suffering they endured is terrible, really terrible too.The people suffered the Famine as in Algeria elsewhere. They were forced to leave their land like the Kabyles of Algeria. The Irish have practically the same history as Algeria. I love Ireland 😘😘😘 thank U for your coourage and Humanity... 🙏
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Thank you Ireland for showing maturity and humanity not the selfish egoïste and undemocratic irresponsible America
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Thank you Ireland Spain and Norway for being the new European leaders
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As a German, I love Irish politics. I never had sympathy for Norway because of the joint operations with the US to destroy the Nord Stream, Jens Stoltenberg as a warmonger and the killing of whales. But with this move the PM has shown that Norway uses its sovereignty instead of being a puppet of the US.
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I had NO IDEA it was upwards of 150 countries! That is wonderful news. Thank you.
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It's such a relief to hear some leaders speaking sanity and basic decency.
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Thanks, Thanks,Thanks to Ireland, Spain & Norway 🇮🇪❤️🇪🇸❤️🇧🇻❤️🇵🇸❤️
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Go Ireland
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Sending love and appreciation to the Irish people from a Palestinian who lives in the US and married to an amazing Irish lady
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Israel recalling it's diplomats sure solves the problem of having to kick their diplomatic legation out of these respective countries! Beginning to look like some countries are finding their moral compass! "If Israelis don't want to be accused of being like the Nazis, they simply need to stop behaving like Nazis." - Norman Finkelstein
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You go Ireland. To help those that suffer is an immeasurable act of humanness
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Good to see at least some countries have a brain, a heart, and a sense of justice.
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Very well spoken by Irish woman. Bless you!
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I wish we had more politicians here in the USA that could speak and think as critically as Catherine Connolly does here.
