Israel Fumes as Spain, Norway, Ireland Recognize Palestine As A State

The leaders of Spain, Norway, and Ireland have separately declared their intention to formally recognise Palestine as a sovereign state from May 28, a move that has prompted Israel to recall its envoys from the countries.

The three European countries cited the pursuit of peace in the Middle East as their primary motivation for the diplomatic move.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, while announcing his country’s decision on Wednesday, stressed that a two-state solution was a step toward lasting peace in the region.

Amid a war, with tens of thousands killed and injured [in Gaza], we must keep alive the only alternative that offers a political solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike: Two states, living side by side, in peace and security, Store said in Oslo.

Echoing similar sentiments, Ireland’s Prime Minister Simon Harris and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez made parallel announcements in Dublin and Madrid, respectively, arguing that the recognition of Palestine as a state is a crucial step towards fostering stability and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Harris noted that Ireland supported Israel’s right to exist securely alongside its neighbours but stressed that “Hamas is not the Palestinian people”. He condemned Hamas and advocated for the immediate release of captives in Gaza.

“A two-state solution is the only way out of the generational cycles of violence, retaliation, and resentment,” he argued.

Jordan, Saudi Arabia Hail Support for Palestine State

The decision of the three European nations to recognise Palestine has garnered support from Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

Reacting through its foreign ministry, Saudi Arabia praised the decision by Ireland, Norway, and Spain and called on other countries to also recognise a Palestine sovereign state.

According to a statement posted on X, the foreign ministry “expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s welcome of the favourable decision taken by the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Spain and the Republic of Ireland to recognise the sisterly State of Palestine.

“The kingdom appreciates this decision issued by friendly countries, which affirms the international consensus on the inherent right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and calls on the rest of the countries to make the same decision quickly.”

The Foreign Minister of Jordan, Ayman Safadi, also welcomed the move as a significant step towards peace.

Safadi posted on X: “As Spain, Norway & Ireland declared they would recognise the Palestinian state as a key step towards peace, the radical Israeli govt announced more illegal measures that kill all its prospects. We value the decision of our European partners & condemn Israel’s illegal measures.”

Israel Kicks

However, Israel has condemned the decision of the three countries and has swiftly responded by recalling its envoys from there for what it termed as “urgent consultations.”

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, issued a stern warning to the countries involved, cautioning against the repercussions of recognising Palestine. “Israel will not go over this in silence,” declared Katz.

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Oluwatobi Odeyinka

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