On 28 May, Ireland, Norway, and Spain declared their formal recognition of Palestine as a state. Both Spain and Ireland clarified that this decision was not intended to oppose Israel or support Hamas, but rather to promote peace.
Israel responded with strong disapproval, cautioning that this action could lead to further regional instability and proceeded to recall its ambassadors from all three countries.
The recognition was welcomed by both Hamas and its rival, the Palestinian Authority (PA). Norway was the first to announce its decision on Wednesday, in coordination with the other two countries. Hamas, which governs Gaza and is currently in conflict with Israel, stated that Wednesday’s announcements marked a significant shift in the international stance on the Palestinian issue.
Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas figure, attributed the move to the “courageous resistance” of the Palestinian people in a statement to AFP. The PA, which governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, praised Norway, Spain, and Ireland for their steadfast commitment to delivering justice to the Palestinian people.
The question of Palestinian statehood has been a long-standing issue for the international community. Following the attacks on 7 October, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to such a plan, arguing that the establishment of a Palestinian state would threaten Israel’s security.
Israel’s foreign ministry warned on social media on Tuesday that recognizing a Palestinian state could lead to increased terrorism, regional instability, and jeopardize any prospects for peace.
The attacks on 7 October resulted in the death of about 1,200 people when Hamas gunmen invaded Israel, taking 252 others back to Gaza as hostages. Since then, Israel’s offensive in Gaza has resulted in the death of more than 35,000 people, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Most of the world already recognizes Palestine as a state. Earlier this month, 143 of the 193 members of the United Nations General Assembly voted in favor of Palestine joining the UN, a privilege reserved for states.
Prior to Wednesday’s announcements, only nine European countries supported Palestinian statehood, most of which made the decision in 1988 when they were part of the Soviet bloc. Most other European countries, along with the US, still believe recognition should only come as part of a long-term two-state solution to the conflict.
Recently, Slovenia and Malta also expressed their consideration for formal recognition. Norway’s prime minister expressed hope on Wednesday that the recognition of Palestinian statehood by the three countries would reinvigorate the peace talks.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated in an address that the move was in support of moderate forces engaged in a prolonged and brutal conflict. He added, “This is an investment in the only solution that can bring lasting peace in the Middle East,” referring to the two-state solution, which envisions an Israeli and a Palestinian state coexisting peacefully.
Ireland and Spain soon followed suit. Irish Foreign Minister, Micheál Martin, declared, “Today, we state clearly our unambiguous support for the equal right to security, dignity, and self-determination for the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.” The country’s Prime Minister, Simon Harris, later emphasized that “Hamas is not the Palestinian people” and that “Today’s decision to recognize Palestine is taken to help create a peaceful future.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez echoed Mr. Harris’s comments, stating that the move was “not against Israel, is not against the Jews,” and “is not in favor of Hamas.” He clarified, “This recognition is not against anyone, it is in favor of peace and coexistence.”
Israel reacted strongly to the announcements. Foreign Minister Israel Katz ordered the immediate return of the Israeli ambassadors to all three countries for consultations. He warned, “Israel will not go over this in silence – there will be other serious consequences.” Mr. Katz also announced that the ambassadors of the three countries in Israel would be summoned for reprimand talks, during which they would be shown a video of the abduction of female Israeli soldiers on 7 October.
