Ireland Appoints First Palestinian Female Ambassador
In a landmark decision, Ireland has approved the appointment of Jilan Wahba Abdel Majeed as the first Palestinian ambassador to Dublin. This historic move follows the recommendation of Irish Tánaiste and Foreign Minister, Michael Martin. Jilan Wahba Abdel Majeed, who currently leads the Palestinian mission in Ireland, will take on her new role after the Irish government recognized the State of Palestine in May 2024.
The formal establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Palestine occurred on September 29, 2023. Subsequently, on October 17, the Palestinian government, led by Mohammad Mustafa, expressed its intention to elevate its diplomatic representation in Ireland from a mission to an embassy. This upgrade grants the Palestinian diplomatic mission full privileges and immunities under the Vienna Convention, ensuring the protection of its diplomats.
The recognition of Palestine by Ireland, alongside Spain and Norway, has increased the number of countries acknowledging the state to 148 out of 193 UN member states. This decision has drawn criticism from Israeli authorities, particularly from Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who publicly condemned the European nations' actions on social media. The recognition is seen as part of a broader effort to promote peace in the Middle East, especially in light of recent conflicts in Gaza.
Calls for Legislative Action on Occupied Territories Law
In conjunction with the appointment of the Palestinian ambassador, there is growing pressure within the Irish government to ratify the Occupied Territories Law. Opposition leaders, including Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald, have urged the government to expedite the legislation, citing the ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon. McDonald criticized Prime Minister Simon Harris for delaying the law, emphasizing the urgent need for effective sanctions against Israel to halt the violence.
Labour leader Ivana Pacic echoed these sentiments, asserting that the bill could be passed swiftly amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Social Democrat leader Holly Cairns also expressed her party's willingness to facilitate the passage of the bill, stating that inaction equates to complicity in the ongoing conflict.
In response to these calls, Prime Minister Harris acknowledged the significance of the Palestinian ambassador's appointment and mentioned ongoing discussions about the Occupied Territories Bill within the Foreign Affairs Committee. He expressed a desire to ensure that any legislation introduced would withstand legal scrutiny in European courts.
