Ireland, Norway and Spain announced in a joint statement on Wednesday that they would recognize a Palestinian state amid tensions caused by the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and their leaders said other European countries would take similar steps.
Statements from Norway, Ireland and Spain
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gare Storey said that a two-state solution was in Israel’s best interest and that recognition of a Palestinian state would take place on May 28.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris made a similar announcement, calling it “a historic and important day for Ireland and Palestine.” He said the move was aimed at helping resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a two-state solution. He said a two-state solution was the only reliable path to peace and security for Israel, Palestine and their people. Mr Harris said state recognition had special resonance in Ireland because of its history.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez told parliament that Spain would recognize Palestine on May 28. Responding to applause, he said: “We recognize Palestine for many reasons, but they can be summed up in three words: peace, justice and stability.
We recognize that the two-state solution is respected and that mutual security is ensured.
Reaction on the decision by Israel and World
Immediately after the three European countries made the announcement, Israel ordered the immediate recall of its ambassadors from Ireland and Norway.
“Today I send a strong message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent on this matter.” said Israeli ambassadors are from Dublin and Oslo and about to return to Israel for further consultations in Jerusalem.
“Hasty steps on both sides will have even more serious consequences.” “If Spain implements its intention to recognize a Palestinian state, similar measures will be taken against it. ” said Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz.
Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the recognition of a Palestinian state and called on other countries to follow suit.
He said the decision would respect “the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination” and support efforts toward a two-state solution with Israel.
The Palestine Liberation Organization also welcomed the decision as “historic”. The Palestinian militant group Hamas also welcomed the move, saying: “We see this as an important step in asserting our rights to our land.”
Some netizens also reacted to this decision by uploading posts on different social media platforms and news websites.
Countries in support of the decision
The foreign ministry “expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s welcome of the positive decision taken by the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Spain and the Republic of Ireland to recognize the sisterly State of Palestine,” according to a statement posted on X.
Jordan welcomes the concerted move by Dublin, Oslo and Madrid as “an important and essential step towards a Palestinian state.”
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said at a press conference in Amman that “we welcome today’s decision by friendly European countries to recognize the State of Palestine.”
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