Norway, Spain, and Ireland recognize Palestine, Israel reacts

Norway, Spain, and Ireland recognized Palestine as a state on Wednesday. The government's decisions will take effect on May 28. In response to these actions, Israel's Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, called for immediate consultations with the ambassadors in Ireland and Norway. Israel previously described plans to recognize the Palestinian state as a "distorted step."

Norway "will therefore regard Palestine as an independent state with all the rights and obligations that entails," emphasized Store at a specially convened press conference.

He added that the territorial division between the state of Palestine and the state of Israel should be based on the borders of June 4, 1967.

In November 2023, the Norwegian parliament called the government to recognize Palestine as a separate state "when recognition could have a positive impact on the peace process, without making a final peace accord a condition."

According to AFP, the prime ministers of Spain and Ireland also recognized Palestine as a state.

"We're currently watching events in Dublin and Madrid, as both countries simultaneously announce plans to recognize Palestinian statehood," writes the BBC.

In Dublin, the Irish Prime Minister stated that his country believes that "permanent peace can only be secured upon the basis of the free will of a free people."

At the beginning of this month, Simon Harris mentioned a vote in the UN General Assembly, where 143 countries voted in favor of a resolution granting Palestine enhanced status in the organization.

Harris added that "Palestinians in Gaza are enduring the most appalling, suffering, hardship and starvation. A humanitarian catastrophe, unimaginable to most, and unconscionable to all - is unfolding in real time."

In Madrid, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's speech was met with applause in the parliament.

"We are going to recognize Palestine for many reasons, and we can sum that up in three words – peace, justice, and consistency," he said. "We have to make sure that the two-state solution is respected, and there must be mutual guarantees of security. It is essential that the two sides negotiate for peace, and it is for this reason that we recognize Palestine," announced the Spanish Prime Minister.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is "still playing deaf ears... he is still bombing hospitals and schools and punishing women and children with hunger and cold," said Sanchez. "We cannot allow this. We have an obligation to act. In Palestine, like in Ukraine, without double standards. This recognition is not against Israel, is not against the Jews. It is not in favor of Hamas, which is something that has been said. This recognition is not against anyone; it is in favor of peace and coexistence," said the Spanish Prime Minister.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz called for immediate consultations with the Israeli ambassadors in Ireland and Norway.

"I am sending Ireland and Norway a clear message: Israel will not back down against those who undermine its sovereignty and endanger its security," said Katz. "Today’s decision sends a message to the Palestinians and the world: terrorism pays,'" stated Katz, adding that they "chose to reward Hamas and Iran by recognizing a Palestinian state."

The Israeli Foreign Minister also claims that the decision to recognize Palestine as a state "undermines the chance for peace and questions Israel’s right to self-defense."

"The Irish-Norwegian parade of stupidity does not deter us," commented Katz. "We are determined to achieve our goals: returning security to our citizens, toppling Hamas, and bringing back the hostages," he added.

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan announced on Monday that he had submitted a request for an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, Galant, and three Hamas leaders - Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh. This request is related to suspicions of their responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed since October 2023 in the territory of Israel and the Gaza Strip.

"As of now, it is a significant political and diplomatic blow to Israel. Especially for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Galant. ...Contact with a person with such a warrant will be a serious burden for foreign partners," said Michał Wojnarowicz in an interview with WP, referring to the Hague Tribunal's move.