On September 10, in a historic first, the state of Palestine participated in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
On September 10, in a historic first, the state of Palestine participated in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Following this, Ireland has appointed Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid as its first ambassador. Abdalmajid, who has led the Mission of the State of Palestine since 2020, and started at the Palestinian ministry of foreign affairs in 1995, has long advocated for peace in the Middle East.
Commenting on the shared struggle, Abdalmajid said that “back in 1998, the Americans had the will to bring peace to Northern Ireland. With the will, there’s always a way. It’s the right of the Palestinian people to have their own state. And we will never give up our rights.”
Abdalmajid continues to advocate for Palestine internationally. In a recent interview, she called for increased accountability and advocated for the nullification of Israel’s UN membership due to violations of international law. Speaking to the people of Ireland directly, she said “we share the same history of colonisation and oppression. And the Irish people know exactly how the Palestinians feel about occupation.”
The country moves towards establishing diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah.
“Ireland is unique – it’s small but it’s very proactive among EU countries, and within the UN,” said the ambassador. She also expressed her gratitude towards Irish officials who have always treated her “like an ambassador,” despite not holding the official title.
The Representative Office of Ireland in Ramallah is due for an upgrade and will soon be elevated to an Embassy status.