(StraightNews.org) – Three European countries have announced their intention to recognize an independent Palestinian state, even as it is led by the internationally designated terrorist organization Hamas. Spain, Norway, and Ireland all stated their intent on the same day, with Spain’s socialist Prime Minister insisting he was motivated by a desire for peace. Pedro Sánchez clarified that the new state will comprise the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and insisted that affording statehood status was the only way to secure a two-state settlement of the long-running Middle East conflict.
In Dublin, the Palestinian flag was hoisted outside Leinster House, the seat of the Irish Parliament, as Hamas welcomed Ireland’s recognition. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said the move was intended to “keep hope alive” and confirmed that an Irish embassy would be established in Ramallah in the West Bank. Israel withdrew its ambassador to Ireland, saying the country was encouraging terrorism and fostering further Middle East instability.
A statement from the Norwegian government in Oslo confirmed that formal recognition would commence on May 28 and described a two-state solution as the “only alternative that offers a political solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
Israel has reacted with fury. Foreign Minister Israel Katz posted a video to social media featuring clips of atrocities committed in the Jewish state on October 7 last year, interspersed with images from Ireland and ending with the caption, “Hamas: Thanks Ireland.” He also accused Mr. Harris of rewarding terrorism.
In the UK, new Scottish leader John Swinney encouraged UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to take similar action, and Palestinian ambassador to Ireland Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid backed his calls.
In Washington, President Biden indicated that the United States would not follow suit. The President said a Palestinian state must be achieved through negotiation rather than unilateral recognition. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the President believes in a two-state solution as the best way to bring peace and stability to the troubled region.
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