Irish deputy premier, Micheál Martin, has criticized Israel’s treatment of its ambassador as “totally unacceptable” after Ireland’s decision to recognize the state of Palestine. During a meeting at the Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry in Jerusalem, Ireland’s Ambassador, Sonya McGuinness, was reprimanded in the presence of media, including footage of Hamas’s attacks. Martin condemned this action as not in line with diplomatic norms.
Israel’s foreign minister showed the video as part of a severe diplomatic protest, sparking tensions with Ireland, Norway, and Spain, who all recognized Palestine. Israel’s claim that this decision “rewarded terrorism” was rejected by Ireland, leading to the recall of ambassadors in Dublin, Oslo, and Madrid. Despite this, 27 EU members have formally recognized Palestine as a state.
Martin plans to discuss the matter with Israel’s foreign minister and reaffirmed Ireland’s rejection of a mono-ethnic approach to the conflict. The incident highlighted diplomatic strains, underlining the need for respectful dialogue between nations.