Three European nations announced Wednesday they will formally recognize a Palestinian state, a landmark move that drew a swift rebuke from Israel and praise from Palestinians.
The announcements from Ireland, Norway and Spain dealt the latest diplomatic blow to Israel, as the United States’ close ally faces mounting international isolation and backlash over its deadly military offensive in the Gaza Strip.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz said he had immediately recalled Israel’s ambassadors to Oslo, Dublin and Madrid and ordered a formal reprimand, or severe démarche, to the three countries’ envoys in Israel. The White House said that President Joe Biden “believes a Palestinian state should be realized through direct negotiations between the parties, not through unilateral recognition.”
The formal recognition will take place May 28, and may be followed by other European countries as outrage over Israel’s actions in Gaza bolsters the Palestinian cause on the global stage and adds to pressure on Israel to engage in talks for a path toward a two-state solution to the decadeslong conflict.
It comes amid a spiraling humanitarian crisis in Gaza. UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, warned Monday that it had to suspend food distribution in the southern city of Rafah, where more than 1 million people have sought refuge during the war, citing a lack of supplies and safety issues given the Israeli military’s expanding operation in the area.
“In the midst of a war, with tens of thousands killed and injured, we must keep alive the only alternative that offers a political solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said as his country led the triple announcement. “Two states, living side by side, in peace and security.”
Speaking at a news conference in Dublin shortly after, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said he hoped the decision would “offer hope and encouragement to the people of Palestine at one of their darkest hours.” “This recognition is not against anyone, it is not against the Israeli people,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said in an address to Parliament. “It is an act in favoUr of peace, justice and moral consistency.”—NBC News
