Ireland has officially recognised a Palestinian state, defying Israel which had condemned the plan.
The government approved the recognition in a cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning, recognizing Palestine as a sovereign and independent state and agreed to establish full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah.
A statement also said an Ambassador of Ireland to the State of Palestine will be appointed along with a full Embassy of Ireland in Ramallah.
Irish prime minister Simon Harris in his speech said the move was about keeping hope for peace alive, believing that a two-state solution is the only way for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security.
Harris also called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to listen to the world and stop the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Spain and Norway have also officially recognized a Palestinian state, expressing hope that the move will bring an end to the conflict in the region.
Meanwhile, Israeli tanks have advanced to the centre of Rafah for the first time on Tuesday, three weeks into a ground offensive in the southern Gaza city that has stirred global condemnation for its continued civilian toll.
According to reports, tanks and armoured vehicles mounted with machineguns were spotted near Al-Awda mosque, a central Rafah landmark.
The Israeli military said its forces continued to operate in the Rafah area, without commenting on reported advances into the city centre.
