Palestinians need more than formal recognition

IT’S all systems go with the drive to recognise the state of Palestine.

Doubtless the efforts are wellintentioned and worthwhile, particularly if Micheál Martin’s prediction holds true, of this move serving as a catalyst to help the people of Gaza and the West Bank and to further an Arab-led peace initiative.

Yet there is also the possibility that, without provision for a possible influx of Palestinian refugees, the move could take on the appearance of nothing more than virtue-signalling.

The 1,700 male asylum seekers who are homeless in this country, and the prospect of women and children being left without accommodation now ‘an imminent possibility’, tells its own story.

Even providing refugees with the very basics of a tent and bedding seems under threat, with volunteers claiming they have run out of funds for supplies.

Yet despite our paltry offering, the number of Palestinians seeking asylum in this country has increased sharply in recent weeks. Twenty Palestinians sought asylum in February, and 22 in January, but this rose to 127 last month. These people are struggling to survive in a land reduced to rubble and stalked by famine and disease. The prospect of a tent on an intact street, with enough food to eat, is tempting.

Which would they prefer: formal recognition of Palestinian statehood or a resettlement programme?