The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas welcomed, Wednesday May 22, the recognition of the State of Palestine by Norway, Ireland and Spain. “We consider this an important step towards asserting our right to land and establishing a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.”he declared, while the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) spoke of “historical moments”. Follow our live stream.
A group announcement. Norway first announced that it was preparing to recognize the existence of a Palestinian state, in the context of the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. This recognition will be effective from May 28, said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, despite warnings from the Israeli government. At the same time, Ireland and Spain also formalized their recognition of the Palestinian state.
Israel recalls its ambassadors. The Israeli Foreign Ministry reacted by recalling “for consultation” its ambassadors in Ireland and Norway. “Israel will not remain silent on this issue”, declared Foreign Minister Israel Katz. The day before, he had warned that “recognizing a Palestinian state risks transforming you into a pawn in the hands of Iran” and Hamas.
A recognition to defend favor of a two-state solution. Norway assured that the recognition of a Palestinian state constituted a sign of “support for moderate forces” in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “Recognition can no longer wait for a peace solution”, affirmed his Prime Minister. For Ireland, this recognition constitutes “the only credible path to peace and security for Israel and Palestine”. France, like many NATO countries, does not recognize a Palestinian state.