Taoiseach Micheál Martin has declared that Ireland is prepared to contribute to achieving a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, warning that the chance to secure peace may soon be lost if the international community fails to act.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly during a special summit on the issue, Mr Martin stressed the urgency of international efforts.
"If we do not move now to protect the two-state solution, if we do not work to build a process through which it can be achieved, there may never be another opportunity," he said.
The Taoiseach welcomed recent moves by several countries to formally recognise a Palestinian state and encouraged others to follow suit. However, he acknowledged that elements within the Israeli government are seeking to block such an outcome.
In his address, Mr Martin condemned the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing the scale of devastation as intolerable.
He cited figures of over 65,000 people killed, including more than 20,000 children, and detailed the destruction of homes, hospitals and schools. He accused Israel of using food as a weapon of war, turning scarcity into famine, while also targeting journalists and aid workers.
"We have reached a point where what has been credibly described as a genocide is being carried out in front of the eyes of the world," he said, urging global leaders not to turn away in despair but to respond with decisive action.
The Taoiseach paid tribute to the courage of medics, humanitarian workers and journalists in Gaza, who he said continue their work despite grave danger.
"To honour them and the Palestinian people, it is right that we as political leaders play our part too. The only credible destination is a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security," he added.
Call for Stronger Global Action
Riham Jafari, Advocacy and Communications Coordinator for ActionAid Palestine, also welcomed the growing recognition of Palestinian statehood but said symbolic gestures must be matched with practical measures to end ongoing suffering.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Ms Jafari stressed that recognition alone cannot halt the humanitarian crisis.
"More than 145 countries have already recognised Palestine, but violations of human rights, war crimes and acts of genocide continue in Gaza and the West Bank," she said.
She argued that recognition should not be treated as a bargaining tool but as a moral and legal responsibility under international law.
When asked if a two-state solution was still realistic, Ms Jafari said it could be—if international pressure is applied on Israel to halt illegal settlements and end its occupation of the West Bank.
"But if settlement expansion and annexation continue, the two-state solution will become impossible," she warned.