Elham Asaad Buaras
On May 21, Ireland, Norway, and Spain announced their intention to formally recognise a Palestinian state, joining 140 other countries in this decision, effective from May 28.
Israel reacted angrily to the decision, warning that it would lead to more instability in the region and recalling its ambassadors from all three countries.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre was the first of the three leaders to announce the decision, framing it as support for “moderate forces grappling with a lengthy and brutal conflict.”
He further remarked, “This is a commitment to the sole resolution capable of securing enduring peace in the Middle East,” alluding to the two-state solution, which envisions peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine. Ireland’s Prime Minister, Simon Harris, emphasised that “Hamas is not the Palestinian people.”
He stated, “Today’s decision to recognize Palestine is taken to help create a peaceful future.”
Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez echoed Harris’s sentiment, stating that the move “Is not in favour of Hamas, which is something that has been said. This recognition is not against anyone, it is in favour of peace and coexistence.”
Israel responded vehemently to the announcements, with PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who had been indicted on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity earlier in the week, condemning the move by the three countries as a “reward for terrorism” and asserting that it would not lead to peace.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz has announced the immediate recall of Israeli ambassadors to all three countries for “consultations.” He emphasised, “Israel will not overlook this; there will be further significant action.” consequences.”
Katz also said the three countries’ ambassadors in Israel will be summoned for “reprimand talks.”
Hamas, which controls Gaza and is currently at war with Israel, said the announcements would be a “turning point in the international position on the Palestinian issue.”
Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas figure, said the “brave resistance” of the Palestinian people was behind the move.
The Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, stated that Norway, Spain, and Ireland had shown their “unwavering commitment” to “delivering long overdue justice to the Palestinian people.”
In May, 143 out of the 193 members of the UN General Assembly voted in favour of Palestine joining the UN, a privilege typically reserved for states. While most countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia recognise Palestinian statehood, several Western countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many Western European states, do not.
Malta and Belgium are among the European nations currently discussing whether and when to recognise Palestinian statehood. Presently, along with Norway, Ireland, and Spain, nine other European countries officially recognise Palestine.
Most European nations that have extended recognition to Palestine did so as part of the former Soviet bloc. This year, countries such as the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Barbados have also recognised Palestine.
Photo: Ireland’s Prime Minister, Simon Harris (centre), along with Foreign Minister Micheal Martin (right) and Minister for Communications, Eamon Ryan, declared Ireland’s formal recognition of the state of Palestine in Dublin on May 22.
(Credit: Mostafa Darwish/AA)
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