Ireland, Spain, Malta and Slovenia standing ready to recognise the Palestine state has given Palestinians "hope," its ambassador has said.
Earlier, in a joint-statement, the four countries' prime ministers said they were ready to recognise the Palestine state when the "circumstances are right".
The Palestinian ambassador to Ireland Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid welcomed the statement, describing it as "promising news".
She said it might only be a few EU countries, but that Ireland is "leading" the way and she expressed thanks for "all the Irish efforts".
She told RTÉ's Drivetime that even though just nine of the 27 EU member states currently recognise Palestinians' right to statehood, "this would give a better position and any kind of hope that would give to the Palestinians by the recognition, that would be highly appreciated".
The statement followed discussions between Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the prime ministers of the three other countries at the European Council meeting in Brussels this morning.
Mr Varadkar and the prime ministers of Malta, Slovenia and Spain said they would move to recognise Palestine when it can make a positive contribution.
"We agreed that the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region is through implementation of a two-state solution, with Israeli and Palestinian States living side-by-side, in peace and security," the statement said.
This move follows on from a call by the European Council last night for an immediate humanitarian pause in Gaza leading to a sustained ceasefire.
Last night, after months of trying, progress was made on reaching a greater degree of EU unity around what needs to happen in Gaza.
Collectively, the leaders condemned Hamas's terrorist actions, called for a sustained ceasefire and the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid to relieve the suffering of civilians in Gaza along with the release of hostages.
The Council concluded there must also be a two-State solution and an end to the expansion of illegal settlements.
The Taoiseach said this position is now very much in line with the public stance of the Irish Government.
