Ireland, Norway and Spain to recognise Palestinian state

 

Ireland, Norway, and Spain have announced they will formally recognise a Palestinian state from 28 May.

Spain and Ireland said the decision was not against Israel nor in favour of Hamas, but rather in support of peace.

Israel reacted angrily, warning the move would mean more instability in the region and recalling its ambassadors to all three countries.

Both Hamas and its rival, the Palestinian Authority, have welcomed the recognition.

Norway was first to make its announcement Wednesday in a move co-ordinated with the other two countries.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said in an address that the move was "in support of moderate forces that are on a retreating front in a protracted and cruel conflict".

"This is an investment in the only solution that can bring lasting peace in the Middle East," he added, referring to the so-called two-state solution which would see an Israeli and a Palestinian state existing peacefully next to each other.

Ireland and Spain followed suit soon after.

"Today, we state clearly our unambiguous support for the equal right to security, dignity, and self-determination for the Palestinian and Israeli peoples," Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin said.

The country's Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Simon Harris later stressed that "Hamas is not the Palestinian people".

"Today's decision to recognise Palestine is taken to help create a peaceful future," he said.

Mr Harris's comments were echoed by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who said the move was "not against Israel, is not against the Jews".

"It 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 reacted to the announcements with fury.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the move by Ireland, Norway and Spain as a "reward for terrorism" and said it would not bring peace.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz said he was ordering the immediate return of the Israeli ambassadors to all three countries for "consultations".

"Israel will not go over this in silence - there will be other serious consequences," he said.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4nn78r3w3ko