The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced this Wednesday (22) the withdrawal of its ambassadors to Ireland and Norway in reaction to the two countries’ recognition of a Palestinian state. Spain also confirmed recognition by its council of ministers.
Norwegian Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Store, and Spanish President, Pedro Sanchez, stated that their countries would make the recognition official on May 28, in a movement also integrated by Ireland, whose leader, Simon Harris, said he expects a “wave ” support in this regard in the coming weeks.
For Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, the decision taken by European countries affects Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, which carried out a massacre in Israeli territory and took more than 250 civilians hostage in Gaza.
“Israel will not remain silent. We are determined to achieve our objectives: restoring the security of our citizens, the removal of Hamas and the return of the hostages”, said the minister, who classified the decision as a “victory for terrorism”.
In total, 146 of the 193 member states of the United Nations now recognize a Palestinian state.
Hamas and AP celebrate
Shortly after the three countries’ announcement, this Wednesday, leaders from Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (PA) spoke out, praising the decision and thanking them for their support.
A senior member of the Hamas political cabinet, Bassem Naim, linked the European countries’ decision to the “courageous resistance” of the Palestinian people for encouraging this recognition.
“These successive recognitions are the direct result of this courageous resistance and the legendary steadfastness of the Palestinian people. We believe that this will be a turning point in the international position on the Palestinian issue,” he told the agency AFP.
PA President Mahmoud Abbas also praised the countries’ decision for recognition and called on other European countries to “follow suit in order to achieve a two-state solution based on international resolutions and the 1967 borders.”
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