Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris officially announced his country's recognition of the State of Palestine. Harris said in a press conference: 'Ireland recognizes a Palestinian state and we are confident that more countries will join us in this step in the coming weeks.' Harris stressed that recognition of the Palestinian state is the only solution for peace and an end to violence in the region. Harris also called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the introduction of more aid to resolve the humanitarian crisis. Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, Malta and Norway, member states of the European Union, have indicated in recent weeks that they intend to recognize a Palestinian state, considering that the two-state solution is necessary for lasting peace in the region. Currently, 140 of the 193 member states of the United Nations recognize Palestine as an independent state, and there are Embassies and permanent missions for Palestine in 95 countries around the world. Source: National Iraqi News Agency