In a notable development amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Ireland, Norway, and Spain officially recognized Palestine as a state on Wednesday. In response, Israel has recalled its ambassadors from Ireland and Norway.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz made a statement today emphasizing Israel’s firm stance against what it views as threats to its sovereignty and security. “I am delivering a clear and unequivocal message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent against those undermining its sovereignty and endangering its security,” Katz declared.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that his country would recognize Palestine as a state starting May 28. In response, Katz warned Spain that there would be consequences.
“The actions of Ireland and Norway will not deter us; we are determined to achieve our objectives: ensuring the safety of our citizens, dismantling Hamas, and securing the return of the hostages. There are no causes more just than these,” Katz affirmed.
This development occurs as the conflict in Gaza continues, resulting in a humanitarian crisis within the Hamas-controlled region. The toll is devastating, with thousands either dead or injured.
Spain, Norway, and Ireland Acknowledge ‘The State Of Palestine’
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez addressed Congress, reflecting the views of many Spaniards, by declaring, “Next Tuesday, May 28, Spain will approve the recognition of the State of Palestine in the Council of Ministers. It is time to transition from words to deeds. For peace, justice, and coherence.”
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris also expressed support for a two-state solution, emphasizing its importance for peace and security in the region. “Today Ireland recognizes the state of Palestine. We believe that this recognition will aid in promoting peace and reconciliation in the Middle East,” Harris stated.
Similarly, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere conveyed hope that acknowledging an independent Palestinian state would help achieve peace with Israel. “Amid a war with tens of thousands of casualties, we must sustain the one thing that can ensure a safe home for both Israelis and Palestinians: two states coexisting peacefully,” Stoere remarked.
Members of the European Union, such as Slovenia and Malta, have also signaled their intention to recognize Palestine, highlighting the necessity of a two-state solution for enduring peace in the region.
Israel Responds
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel has firmly resisted acknowledging Palestine as a sovereign state, viewing it as a potential threat to its survival. This stance emerges amidst recent events where the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court is pursuing arrest warrants for both Israeli and Hamas leaders on accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has denied the accusations, stating that the military operations against Hamas are intended to force them into making concessions.
He stated to CNN that applying “military pressure on Hamas is essential to secure the release of the hostages”, as without such force, Hamas is unlikely to concede anything.
At the same time, it has been reported that aid unloaded from a temporary pier constructed by the US off Gaza’s coast has not yet reached the wider Palestinian community. According to CNN, the Pentagon revealed that they are working with the UN and Israel to establish secure delivery paths.
