Ireland, Norway, & Spain to Recognize Palestinian State Amid Ongoing Israel-Hamas Conflict

[Social Media]

 

In a significant diplomatic move, Ireland, Norway, and Spain have officially recognized the Palestinian state, highlighting the urgent need for a two-state solution to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East. This decision comes in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, which has underscored the dire need for a resolution to the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

 

Norway's Commitment to Peace

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre articulated the gravity of the current situation, stating, "The ongoing war in Gaza has made it abundantly clear that achieving peace and stability must be predicated on resolving the Palestinian question." He emphasized that the conflict has reached a critical low, the most severe in many years. Støre added, "There is broad international consensus about the need for a two-state solution, as evidenced by the overwhelming vote at the U.N. General Assembly this month to recognize the Palestinians as qualified to join the world body."

 

Støre further elaborated on Norway's position, noting, "Recognizing a Palestinian state is a way of supporting the moderate forces which have been losing ground in this protracted and brutal conflict. 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: Two states, living side by side, in peace and security."

 

Spain's Call for Justice

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also voiced strong support for the recognition, framing it as a matter of justice and coherence. "Time has come to move from words into action," Sánchez declared. He emphasized that the decision was based on principles of peace and justice, aiming to foster a sustainable and equitable resolution to the conflict.

 

Ireland's Historical Perspective

Ireland's Prime Minister Simon Harris highlighted Ireland’s historical experiences and the importance of international recognition. He reaffirmed Ireland’s support for Israel's right to exist securely and peacefully with its neighbors. Harris also called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, underscoring the humanitarian aspect of the conflict. "Ireland unequivocally recognizes Israel and its right to exist securely and in peace with its neighbors," Harris stated, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to peace.

 

Israel's Strong Reaction

In response to these announcements, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced the immediate recall of Israel’s ambassadors from Ireland and Norway. Katz criticized the recognition as a reward to Hamas and Iran, labeling it an "injustice to the memory" of those killed in the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. "Israel will not remain silent in the face of those undermining its sovereignty and endangering its security," Katz asserted, signaling Israel's firm opposition to these recognitions.

 

Moving Forward

The recognition by these European nations marks a pivotal moment in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While it aims to support the Palestinian Authority and moderate forces within Palestinian politics, it also reflects a broader international call for a renewed focus on a two-state solution. This solution envisions an independent State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel, each with secure and recognized borders.

As Norway’s Støre aptly summarized, "The situation in the Middle East has not been this grave for many years. Recognizing a Palestinian state is a way of supporting the moderate forces which have been losing ground in this protracted and brutal conflict."

 

The diplomatic landscape continues to evolve as Ireland, Norway, and Spain's recognition of Palestine takes effect on May 28, potentially reshaping the future of peace efforts in the region.

 

Related topic:

Salman Rushdie Warns of Taliban-like Palestinian State Under Hamas Rule

 

Credit: VOA News 2024-05-22

 

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[Chomper Higgot]

Excellent news.

 

[Denim]

3 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Excellent news.

 

Yes.

 

Pity this recognition had to be paid for in blood and destruction though.

[Hummin]

36 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Excellent news.

 

just to late! Far to late, 

 

I do not agree with the timing, way to early after 7. october and due to the ongoing Israeli war against Hamas! This is seen in retrospective how Israel became a state, and prove terrorism works for a higher goal! 

 

Totally wrong and the prime minister just lost next election. 

[Chomper Higgot]

1 minute ago, Hummin said:

just to late! Far to late, 

 

I do not agree with the timing, way to early after 7. october and due to the ongoing Israeli war against Hamas! This is seen in retrospective how Israel became a state, and prove terrorism works for a higher goal! 

 

Totally wrong and the prime minister just lost next election. 

Is it too late or too early?

 

Or is it simply something that is right and necessary?!

[Purdey]

More support is needed and a plan to implement it 

[Hummin]

3 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Is it too late or too early?

 

Or is it simply something that is right and necessary?!

well to answer your question, it is far to late, and now way to early

 

As long the hostage situation is going on, way to early, 

 

I know I have talked warm about why this war happenend, it doesnt mean we should give after for terrorism or brutal dominance by powers who have their share of the guilt! There is no right or wrong in this war. 

[Bkk Brian]

Well I agree with Salman Rushdie

 

Rushdie has long been a proponent of Palestinian statehood but is wary of the consequences of a Hamas-led government. "But if there were a Palestinian state now, it would be run by Hamas, and we would have a Taliban-like state. A satellite state of Iran. Is this what the progressive movements of the Western Left want to create?" he asked.

 

In addition giving statehood when there are still hostages being held and possibly sexually abused is a disgusting act. The only way this will work (if ever) is after the conflict is over and there are negotiations with the two sides, Israel and Palestine officials. 

[Hummin]

6 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Is it too late or too early?

 

Or is it simply something that is right and necessary?!

In my eyes there is no way back for Israel now, and I know I make the risk of being cancelled once again, I will say it carefully so it is understandable and not step over a fine line. 

 

Israel have to finish the war, and make no options for a two state only one state with future equal rights. It is a far shot, but, there is no other realistic options really. Continue with a two state solution will create another potential terrorist state controlled by the Israelis, and just another open prison for the next decades. 

 

 

[SpaceKadet]

Yeah, finally!!! Perhaps that will prompt some more EU countries to do the same.

Taiwan is the next one to officially recognize, please.

[SpaceKadet]

Yes, some people get confused by simple facts.

[herfiehandbag]

They have, effectively, had a two state situation for what, the best part of the last 20 years, since Israel withdrew from Gaza.

 

Gaza has had a national election ( Hamas are now in the 17th year of their 4 year term). They have large armed forces, designed and trained to wage war on Israel. They have kept up a steady rain of missiles on Israel for most of that time, more recently they have launched a savage and murderous attack on Israel, raping, slaughtering and dragging Israelis into hostage captivity. Economically they are funded by the rest of the world; their theft and abuse of that aid is widely accepted, on a scale which is almost legendary. Their "diplomatic" presence is tolerated worldwide, recognition as a "state" will change nothing.

 

Or will recognition lead to calls to send troops to fight on the side of Gaza? Now their is a thought!

 

[riclag]

How nice  ! First let Israel destroy the remaining threat in Rafa and get the hostages.

Bunch of idiots Norway, Spain Ireland 

Govt.Rewarding terrorist. 
World is fatigued  from weak appeasers!

 

[placeholder]

13 hours ago, Hummin said:

In my eyes there is no way back for Israel now, and I know I make the risk of being cancelled once again, I will say it carefully so it is understandable and not step over a fine line. 

 

Israel have to finish the war, and make no options for a two state only one state with future equal rights. It is a far shot, but, there is no other realistic options really. Continue with a two state solution will create another potential terrorist state controlled by the Israelis, and just another open prison for the next decades. 

 

 

And what is Israel's plan for ending the war? Does it even have one?

[Bkk Brian]

Hamas celebrating the success of their atrocities on Oct 7th and their leverage of hostages still being held.

 

“These successive recognitions are the direct result of this brave resistance and the legendary steadfastness of the Palestinian people. … We believe this will be a turning point in the international position on the Palestinian issue,” Naim told AFP.

 

Hamas welcomes Palestinian statehood recognition from Ireland, Norway and Spain

https://www.thejc.com/news/israel/hamas-welcomes-palestinian-statehood-recognition-from-ireland-norway-and-spain-xxa6e6qu

[thaibeachlovers]

It is indeed good news and I hope that more western countries follow suit. From the news item on Al Jazeera it seems that many of the world's countries have already done so, but as they are not Euro don't count in the halls of western power.

 

It's not as though it's going to change anything for the Gazans getting blown up, but it's sending a message to israel that it's war is unacceptable to civilized countries and more importantly telling America that it is on the wrong path.

[placeholder]

5 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

Hamas celebrating the success of their atrocities on Oct 7th and their leverage of hostages still being held.

 

“These successive recognitions are the direct result of this brave resistance and the legendary steadfastness of the Palestinian people. … We believe this will be a turning point in the international position on the Palestinian issue,” Naim told AFP.

 

Hamas welcomes Palestinian statehood recognition from Ireland, Norway and Spain

https://www.thejc.com/news/israel/hamas-welcomes-palestinian-statehood-recognition-from-ireland-norway-and-spain-xxa6e6qu

Israel has made it easy for those countries. after taking actions like this:

Israel announces largest West Bank land seizure since 1993 during Blinken visit

Israel’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, announced the seizure of 10 square kilometers (3.8 square miles) of Palestinian territory in the West Bank on Friday. The move marks the single largest land seizure by the Israeli government since the 1993 Oslo accords, according to Peace Now, a settlement watchdog group.
“While there are those in Israel and the world who seek to undermine our right over the Judea and Samaria area and the country in general,” Smotrich said Friday, referring to the territory by its biblical name, “we are promoting settlement through hard work and in a strategic manner all over the country.”

https://archive.ph/VKF2s#selection-667.0-675.306

 

 

[Bkk Brian]

Again, disgusting decisions that do nothing but reward terrorism the world over.

 

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.

Today Ireland announced  their decision to recognize a Palestinian State.

This decision will reward the monsters who kidnapped Emily.

 

https://x.com/Israel/status/1793265011311235553

 

[Hanaguma]

Yes, by all means. Recognize a state. A state that murders gay people. A state that oppresses women. A state that teaches hate and death to its children.  

 

Listen to Rushdie. He knows what he is talking about. He has felt first-hand the reality of Islamic states.

[JonnyF]

17 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Excellent news.

 

 

For Hamas...

[Chomper Higgot]

13 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

For Hamas...

Odd thing to say given Netanyahu backed funding to Hamas with the intent to undermine Palestinians achieving an internationally recognized Palestinian state. 

 

It’s good news for millions of Palestinians who have as much right to their own state as anyone else.

[impulse]

17 hours ago, Hummin said:

 

Israel have to finish the war, and make no options for a two state only one state with future equal rights. It is a far shot, but, there is no other realistic options really. Continue with a two state solution will create another potential terrorist state controlled by the Israelis, and just another open prison for the next decades. 

 

Some day, maybe someone can explain to me how this is a war, and not a police action. Acknowledging (or creating) a Palestinian state would make it a war...

 

Tough situation.  Israel is in an intractable position.  But that's been the case since around 1948, when the Palestinians rejected the offer to return part of what had been taken from them.

[Bkk Brian]

31 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Odd thing to say given Netanyahu backed funding to Hamas with the intent to undermine Palestinians achieving an internationally recognized Palestinian state. 

 

It’s good news for millions of Palestinians who have as much right to their own state as anyone else.

Why odd, Hamas are over the moon. They want and always wanted a Palestinian state, they just don't want an Israeli one to exist, hence Oct 7th. Very strange that Norway has even admitted to this yet is now recognizing one and rewarding Hamas.

 

Gloating Hamas hails 'important step' as Ireland, Norway and Spain become the latest nations to recognise a Palestinian state - but Israel says 'twisted' move 'rewards terrorism'

'The terror has been committed by Hamas and militant groups who are not supporters of a two-state solution and the state of Israel,' the Norwegian government leader said. 'Palestine has a fundamental right to an independent state.' 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13446405/hamas-ireland-norway-spain-palestine-state-israel-terrorism.html

 

[placeholder]

41 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

Why odd, Hamas are over the moon. They want and always wanted a Palestinian state, they just don't want an Israeli one to exist, hence Oct 7th. Very strange that Norway has even admitted to this yet is now recognizing one and rewarding Hamas.

 

Gloating Hamas hails 'important step' as Ireland, Norway and Spain become the latest nations to recognise a Palestinian state - but Israel says 'twisted' move 'rewards terrorism'

'The terror has been committed by Hamas and militant groups who are not supporters of a two-state solution and the state of Israel,' the Norwegian government leader said. 'Palestine has a fundamental right to an independent state.' 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13446405/hamas-ireland-norway-spain-palestine-state-israel-terrorism.html

 

 

Sure. The way Israel has prosecuted this war and it deepening of oppression on the West bank has nothing to do with it? For a long time the Europeans more or less looked the other way at how Israel treated Palestinians, but Israel's conduct during this war has made that impossible. If Hamas has succeeded, that's because Israel has played right into their hands.

 

[Bkk Brian]

He's not always correct but he's certainly correct here as is Rushdie

 

US says Palestinian state should come via talks, not unilateral recognition

U.S. President Joe Biden believes a Palestinian state should be achieved through negotiations, not unilateral recognition, the White House said on Wednesday after Ireland, Spain and Norway said they would recognize a Palestinian state this month. Washington's reaction appeared to signal U.S. dismay that the three European nations announced an intent to proceed with unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, which does not exist in practice. 

https://www.reuters.com/world/us-says-palestinian-state-should-come-via-talks-not-unilateral-recognition-2024-05-22/

https://archive.ph/JvqaZ

[Hanaguma]

9 minutes ago, placeholder said:

 

Sure. The way Israel has prosecuted this war and it deepening of oppression on the West bank has nothing to do with it? For a long time the Europeans more or less looked the other way at how Israel treated Palestinians, but Israel's conduct during this war has made that impossible. If Hamas has succeeded, that's because Israel has played right into their hands.

 

The west bank and Gaza have been oppressed for a long time. Oppressed by their own leaders in the PA and Hamas. Oppressed by having zero regard for human rights and dignity, by killing LGBT people and by keeping women firmly behind.   If they had any common sense, they would beg to be admitted to Israel and enjoy the benefits of being part of a first world country.

[placeholder]

15 minutes ago, Hanaguma said:

The west bank and Gaza have been oppressed for a long time. Oppressed by their own leaders in the PA and Hamas. Oppressed by having zero regard for human rights and dignity, by killing LGBT people and by keeping women firmly behind.   If they had any common sense, they would beg to be admitted to Israel and enjoy the benefits of being part of a first world country.

You think Israel would let them be part of their first world economy? The explicit policy in the West Bank and Gaza, when Israel occupied it, right from the start was to keep the Palestinians economically suppressed. In the West Bank there are 2 sets of laws. One that governs Palestinians and one that governs Israelis. Anyone with any knowledge of this situations knows how the laws have been used to suppress Palestinian development. Clearly, you are not one of those in the know.

[coolcarer]

4 minutes ago, placeholder said:

You think Israel would let them be part of their first world economy? The explicit policy in the West Bank and Gaza, when Israel occupied it, right from the start was to keep the Palestinians economically suppressed. In the West Bank there are 2 sets of laws. One that governs Palestinians and one that governs Israelis. Anyone with any knowledge of this situations knows how the laws have been used to suppress Palestinian development. Clearly, you are not one of those in the know.

Because the way Hamas treats its civilians is so much better right? 

[placeholder]

3 minutes ago, coolcarer said:

Because the way Hamas treats its civilians is so much better right? 

What has that got to do with Hanuguma's know-nothing claim about Palestinians should be begging to be part of Israel's economy?

[placeholder]

7 minutes ago, coolcarer said:

Because the way Hamas treats its civilians is so much better right? 

Hmmm...Hamas...Isn't that the  group that Israel helped to support as a counterweight to the PA? Or is it some other Hamas you are referring to?