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Spain, Ireland, and Norway Recognize Palestinian State Amidst Israeli Criticism
In a coordinated move, Spain, Ireland, and Norway have formally recognized the Palestinian state, drawing sharp criticism from Israel.
ND
by News Desk
2024-05-28
Spain, Ireland, and Norway Recognize Palestinian State Amidst Israeli Criticism

In a coordinated decision on Tuesday, Spain, Ireland, and Norway formally recognized the Palestinian state, a move Israel has slammed as a "reward" for Hamas, more than seven months into the devastating Gaza bombardment.

 

The three European countries believe their initiative has a strong symbolic impact likely to encourage other nations to follow suit, despite Israel’s condemnation of the plan.

 

Ireland’s government formally approved the measure, with Prime Minister Simon Harris stating, "We had wanted to recognize Palestine at the end of a peace process. However, we have made this move alongside Spain and Norway to keep the miracle of peace alive," urging Israel to "stop the humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza.

 

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide hailed the recognition as "a special day for Norway-Palestine relations," while Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares called it a historic day for Spain.

 

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez emphasized that the recognition was essential for peace and was not intended as an antagonistic act towards Israel. He insisted it was the only way to secure a future of two states living side-by-side "in peace and security," while also rejecting Hamas, whose October 7 attacks led to the ongoing Gaza conflict.

 

The recognition means that 145 of the United Nations’ 193 member states now acknowledge Palestinian statehood. This development comes in the wake of escalating violence, with over 36,000 people killed in Gaza since the October 7 assault by Hamas fighters, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 Israelis and the taking of 252 hostages, according to official figures.

 

In response to the recognition, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz posted provocative messages online, accusing the European countries of inciting violence and supporting genocide. Spain, Ireland, and Norway have promised a "calm but firm" response to these accusations.

 

Spanish Foreign Minister Albares criticized Katz’s strategy of deflecting attention from Israel's actions, asserting that discussions should focus on achieving peace and providing humanitarian aid rather than on online provocations.

 

The decision to recognize Palestine has sparked disagreement within the European Union. While countries like Slovenia and Malta are considering similar moves, others, including France and Germany, maintain that Palestinian statehood should be the result of a negotiated peace process.

 

Marie Antoinette Sedin, the Palestinian ambassador to Norway, welcomed the recognition as a significant step towards ending the occupation and achieving an independent Palestinian state.

 

Israel has responded by recalling its ambassadors from Madrid, Oslo, and Dublin and summoning the respective ambassadors to watch videos of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas. Additionally, Spain's consular services to Palestinians in the West Bank have been blocked, and Spain has been accused of aiding Hamas.

 

Despite these tensions, Prime Minister Sanchez emphasized that the recognition was not an act against Israel and called for the release of hostages and an end to the violence.
Tagged:

HumanitarianCrisis

InternationalRelations

TwoStateSolution

MiddleEastPeace

GlobalDiplomacy

PalestineRecognition

SpainIrelandNorway
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