Ireland

Ireland, alongside Spain and other EU nations, moves closer to recognizing Palestine formally, aiming for joint recognition to bolster peace efforts in the region.

"We want to stop the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and help kickstart a political peace process leading to the realization of the two-state solution as early as possible," a spokeswoman said.

Simon Harris, speaking to his party on Saturday, affirmed Ireland's readiness to recognize a Palestinian state. He condemned Hamas but said the Irish were "repulsed" by Israel's actions in Gaza.

The 37-year-old former health and higher education minister was elected unopposed as the new leader of Fine Gael last month, just days after Leo Varadkar's shock exit.

The nation's foreign minister did not say what form the intervention would take or outline any argument or proposal Ireland plans to put forward.

The Gardai announced they would implement a review of the security situation at the embassy as a result of the increasing number of threats.

Since 1988, 139 out of 193 United Nations member states have recognized Palestinian statehood.

Varadkar said it was the right time for him to step down and that there was no "real reason" behind his decision. "I have nothing else lined up. I have nothing in mind."

Irish people who back the Palestinians often ground their sympathies in the perception that both peoples were, or are, colonized — the Irish by the United Kingdom, and the Palestinians by Israel.

The American Jewish Committee said Sunday that the banner was outrageous and antisemitic, and thanked officials for removing the display.