Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has announced he is recalling Israel’s ambassadors to Norway and Ireland after the two nations officially announced their recognition of a Palestinian state, and vowed to do the same to Spain if they also recognized Palestinian statehood, as Spain had stated was their intention.
Group Recognition
Earlier today, the leaders of Ireland, Norway, and Spain recognized Palestine as a state. The move follows joint statements from Ireland, Norway, Spain, Malta, and Slovenia in March that stated the groups intention to recognize Palestine as a state.
“Today Ireland, Norway, and Spain are announcing that we recognise the state of Palestine, each of us will undertake whatever national steps are necessary to give effect to that decision. I am confident that further countries will join us in taking this important step in the coming weeks” -Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris
Shortly following this recognition, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, Israel Katz, issued a strong condemnation of the move, claiming that the decision “send a message to the Palestinians and the world: Terrorism pays,” further accusing them of having “chose to reward Hamas and Iran by recognizing a Palestinian state.”
Minister Katz claimed the recognition would be “a blow to efforts to return the 128 hostages, and a boost to Hamas and Iran’s jihadists.”
In response to the recognition, Katz “instructed the immediate recall of Israel’s ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations.” He vowed to do the same to Spain if Spain followed through on their promise, which they promptly did, and so it is likely Spain’s ambassador shall be recalled as well.
The recognition of Palestinian statehood by Ireland, Spain and Norway does not technically go into effect until May 28th, when official processes will be completed, however the recognition is being treated by the three nations respective leaders as effective today.
Ireland has been a particularly vocal critic of Israel amongst European nations, with Ireland’s Foreign Minister, Micheal Martin, announced that Ireland would seek to intervene in South Africa’s case against Israel in the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of genocide.
It is unclear if and when Malta and Slovenia will follow suit, as they had promised in March. Slovenia has reportedly began the procedures to issue such a recognition, and will recognize Palestinian statehood in mid-June
Palestinian Reception
Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the recognition, claiming that it will enshrine “the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.” The PA is the internationally recognized representative of the Palestinian people, and maintains a level of autonomy in Palestinian areas of the West Bank.
As such, any Palestinian state is likely to be administered under the PA, however the PA is deeply unpopular with the Palestinian populace.
Hamas also issued a statement welcoming the decision, and calling it “an important step on the path of affirming our right to our land.”
Hamas’ full statement may be read below:
Press Statement.
We welcome the announcement by Norway, Ireland and Spain of recognizing the State of Palestine, and consider it an important step on the path of affirming our right to our land and independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. We call on countries worldwide to recognize our legitimate national rights and support the struggle of our Palestinian people for liberation, independence, and ending the Zionist occupation to our land.
Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas
May 22, 2024