Israel is recalling its ambassadors to three countries after they announced Wednesday they would recognize a Palestinian state on May 28.
Norway, Spain, and Ireland said they hoped the move would pave the way for a ceasefire in Israel’s war against Hamas.
Norway was first to make its announcement Wednesday in a move coordinated 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 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." (BBC)
Irish Foreign Minister announces Ireland will recognize Palestine as a state- despite Palestinians previously holding an 8 year old Irish girl hostage for 50 days.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) May 22, 2024
“The Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, peace, dignity and statehood must be vindicated.” pic.twitter.com/5pE5SR4ZPV
Emily Hand, an 8 year old Irish-Israeli girl was kidnapped from her home by Hamas terrorists and held hostage for 50 days in Gaza before being released.
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) May 22, 2024
Today Ireland announced their decision to recognize a Palestinian State.
This decision will reward the monsters who… pic.twitter.com/jIjjU0Spjy
In response, Israel immediately called on its ambassadors in the nations to return.
"I’m sending a clear and unequivocal message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent in the face of those undermining its sovereignty and endangering its security," Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said. "Today’s decision sends a message to the Palestinians and the world: Terrorism pays. After the Hamas terror organization carried out the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, after committing heinous sexual crimes witnessed by the world, these countries chose to reward Hamas and Iran by recognizing a Palestinian state. This distorted step by these countries is an injustice to the memory of the victims of [10/7], a blow to efforts to return the 128 hostages, and a boost to Hamas and Iran's jihadists, which undermines the chance for peace and questions Israel’s right to self-defense. Israel will not remain silent - there will be further severe consequences."
I have instructed the immediate recall of Israel’s ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations in light of these countries' decisions to recognize a Palestinian state.
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) May 22, 2024
I’m sending a clear and unequivocal message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent in the…
He also said the ambassadors from the three countries in Israel will be given "reprimand talks" and shown footage from the Oct. 7 attack, according to BBC.
Hamas and the Palestinian Authority celebrated the move by Norway, Spain, and Ireland, which was denounced by those on the left and right in the U.S.
I’ve long advocated for Palestinian self-determination and statehood, and will continue to do so.
— Dean Phillips (@deanbphillips) May 22, 2024
But Spain, Norway, and Ireland’s premature recognition of a state is a gift to Hamas and a message to terrorists around the world that abhorrent tactics work.
Shameful.
A shameful decision to reward terrorists for killing Jews. https://t.co/owrEBEnYx3
— Tom Cotton (@TomCottonAR) May 22, 2024
Rewarding terrorism
— Jim Hanson (@JimHansonDC) May 22, 2024
Ireland, Norway & Spain say they recognize a Palestinian state
Hamas thanks you
For validating rape & slaughter as a tool of statecraft pic.twitter.com/NITp5gL4l7
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