Tánaiste's Remarks at the Global Alliance for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution

Remarks by Tánaiste Simon Harris at the Global Alliance for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution

United Nations High Level Week

24 September 2025

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Thank you Norway, Saudi Arabia and the EU for convening us.

Ireland recognised the State of Palestine last year as an act of hope and to inject new momentum towards the two-State solution.

We are supporting the Palestinian Authority and will sign a Memorandum of Cooperation with Palestine.

More than 150 countries now recognise Palestine.

Recognition is not merely symbolic; it is a call to action.

The two-State solution is under threat by Israel’s actions.

Ireland has always condemned the horrific terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas on Israel on 7 October, and the unconscionable taking of hostages.

We call for a ceasefire, the release of hostages and humanitarian aid at scale into Gaza.

Hamas can have no role in the future of Gaza.

We recognise the right of Israelis to live in peace and security.

But the actions of the current Israeli government are in clear violation of international law.

A UN panel of inquiry has concluded genocide is happening in Gaza.

The IPC has said there is famine in Gaza.

I am extremely concerned about developments overnight involving the Global Sumud Flotilla. [The welfare and safety of those aboard is a priority.]

Ireland is a firm believer in the power of the international community working together.

142 countries have endorsed the New York Declaration.

We have a strong, action-oriented outcome document.

I am proud that Ireland was a co-chair, along with Türkiye.

The Global Alliance is uniquely placed to take forward implementation.

I am delighted to announce that Ireland will host a meeting in Dublin in the coming months, where we will share lessons from our own peace process in Northern Ireland.

This meeting will draw a clear link between the Global Alliance and implementation of the New York Declaration.

No two conflicts are the same and the solutions we found on our island cannot be neatly applied elsewhere.

But we also know and deeply understand the common elements in all peace building efforts.

Peace is not easy. It involves hard compromises and sacrifices.

But peace is always better than the alternative.