Ireland, Spain, and Norway declared on Wednesday their intention to recognize a Palestinian state on May 28. This announcement elicited an angry response from Israel as a reward for terrorism, and it recalled its ambassadors from the three capitals.
The countries characterized the decision as an effort to expedite the process of achieving a ceasefire in Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
“We hope that our recognition and our reasons contribute to other western countries following this path, because the more we are, the more strength we will have to impose a ceasefire, to achieve the release of the hostages held by Hamas, to relaunch the political process that can lead to a peace agreement,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated to the parliament.
The sole feasible political solution between Israelis and Palestinians, according to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, is the coexistence of two states in peace and security.
“The intention of several European countries to recognize a Palestinian state is a reward for terrorism,” stated Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel.
Israel’s principal ally, the United States, upheld its position that direct negotiations should establish a Palestinian state.
