Irish prime minister urges EU members to 'take action to recognize Palestine'

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said Wednesday that EU member states need to "take action to recognize Palestine."

Harris told reporters ahead of a EU leaders' summit that he would be in contact with counterparts to urgently declare a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.

"Several European countries now need to take steps to recognize the Palestinian state," said Harris, as he emphasized that “countries advocating a two-state solution need to take this step.”

Harris noted that he is in communication with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez regarding the recognition of Palestine.

"However, I am intent on discussing this possibility with other country representatives who wish to recognize the Palestinian state, along with my colleagues from Ireland and Spain," he said.

Harris noted that the EU does not want tensions to escalate in the Middle East.

"All parties need to exercise restraint, as any action other than calling for restraint and reducing tension would lead to a serious catastrophe in an already unstable region and the shedding of blood of millions of people," he said.

EU leaders gathered in Brussels to discuss topics including the economy, competitiveness, Ukraine, relations with Türkiye, and Mideast developments.

The summit marks the final meeting of EU leaders before European Parliament elections from June 6 - 9.