The Irish government's recent recognition of an independent Palestinian state resonates with their own historical struggle for statehood, emphasizing the political and symbolic significance of such recognition. This move, along with similar actions by Spain and Norway, does not diminish Ireland's relationship with Israel but rather acknowledges the equal right of both Israel and Palestine to exist. The decision is rooted in Ireland's support for Palestinians' efforts to establish an independent state and aims to keep the hope of a two-state peace deal alive. Furthermore, the distinction between Hamas terrorism and the broader Palestinian population was highlighted, drawing on Ireland's own experience with terrorism and emphasizing the need to differentiate between the actions of terrorists and the people of a state.