On Tuesday, Spain, Ireland, and Norway officially recognized the Palestinian state, prompting a strong reaction from Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This recognition marks a significant step in the international community’s efforts to secure a ceasefire and advance peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the recognition in a televised address, emphasizing the need for a peaceful future where a Palestinian state coexists with Israel in peace and security. Spain’s recognition includes the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under the Palestinian National Authority, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This move brings the total number of United Nations member-states recognizing Palestine to 146, according to Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares.
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed plans to upgrade its representative office in Ramallah to an embassy and to appoint an ambassador. Similarly, Norway, which chairs the international donor group to the Palestinians, has shifted its stance, losing confidence in the previous U.S.-led strategy.
While these recognitions aim to support peace efforts, Israel condemned the decisions, arguing they bolster Hamas, the Islamist militant group responsible for the October 7 attack on Israel that initiated the current conflict. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused Spain of complicity in incitement to genocide and war crimes.
Within the European Union, opinions remain divided. Countries like Sweden, Cyprus, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria have already recognized Palestine. Slovenia and Malta are also considering similar moves. However, major players like France and Germany, along with the United States, advocate for a dialogue-driven, two-state solution, rejecting unilateral recognition.
Public support for a two-state solution in Spain has increased significantly, rising to 60% from 40% in 2021, as per a poll by the Real Instituto Elcano. The ongoing conflict has led to a high Palestinian casualty count, with over 36,000 deaths reported by Gaza’s health ministry, while Israel reported 1,200 deaths from the October 7 attack.
In response to the recognitions, Israel recalled its ambassadors from Madrid, Oslo, and Dublin and summoned the ambassadors of these countries. Spain plans to seek EU support for last week’s International Court of Justice order demanding Israel halt its military operations in Rafah, Gaza. Despite the tensions, Sanchez reiterated Spain’s condemnation of Hamas and called for the release of hostages, stressing the recognition was not against Israel but aimed at fostering peace.
Credit: Reuters
