Egypt, Ireland agree on expanding international recognition of Palestine

By Ibrahim Khazen

CAIRO (AA) - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Irish President Michael Higgins agreed Wednesday on the need to broaden international recognition of the state of Palestine, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.

The unity on Palestine was echoed by Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris during his meeting with al-Sisi.

The agreement was part of discussions during Sisi's visit to Ireland, marking the conclusion of his European tour, which included stops in Denmark and Norway.

Sisi emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between Egypt and Ireland across various fields of mutual interest.

The discussions also addressed Middle Eastern issues, particularly Egypt's role in mediating a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, facilitating the exchange of hostages and detainees, and ensuring the delivery of unconditional humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Israel has launched a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip that has killed more than 44,800 victims, mostly women and children, since Oct. 7, 2023 attack by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas.

Ireland formally recognized Palestine as a State in May, joining countries like Spain and Norway. Slovenia and Armenia followed suit in June, bringing the number of UN member states recognizing Palestine to 149 of 193.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio