Israel-Gaza live: Norway, Ireland and Spain to recognise Palestinian state as Israel slams ‘distorted’ move
Israel recalled its ambassadors to the three countries and has said the decision rewards Hamas’s terrorism
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Norway, Ireland and Spain plan to recognise Palestine as an independent state, with Israel accusing them of “rewarding” Hamas for its brutal attack on 7 October.
The three European countries said the move would ensure “peace, justice and consistency” throughout the region. Around 1,200 people are believed to have been killed during the Hamas attack inside Israel, while 250 people were taken hostage. More than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli assault on Gaza that has followed.
Some 140 out of 193 member-states of the United Nations recognise Palestine as an independent nation. Slovenia and Malta have also indicated their intention to recognise the state of Palestine.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: “We are going to recognise Palestine for many reasons and we can sum that up in three words – peace, justice and consistency.”
Israel’s Foreign Secretary, Israel Katz, said: “Today’s decision sends a message to the Palestinians and the world: terrorism pays. This distorted step by these countries is an injustice to the memory of the victims of & October and a boost to Hamas and Iran’s jihadists.”
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The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor has filed a motion applying for arrest warrants for Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defence minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes.
Chief prosecutor Karim Khan also called for arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders, including chief Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’s military leader Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri, and Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas’s political bureau.
The move from the ICC has caused fury among Israeli and Hamas politicians alike, with both sides incensed by the comparison to one another.
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Why does recognising Palestinian statehood matter?
The 1948 UN decision that created Israel envisaged a neighboring Palestinian state, but some 70 years later control of the Palestinian territories remains divided and bids for UN membership have been denied.
The United States, Britain and other Western countries have backed the idea of an independent Palestine existing alongside Israel as a solution to the conflict, but they insist Palestinian statehood should come as part of a negotiated settlement. There have been no substantive negotiations since 2009.
Though the EU countries and Norway won’t be recognising an existing state, just the possibility of one, the symbolism helps enhance the Palestinians’ international standing and heaps more pressure on Israel to open negotiations on ending the war.
Israeli forces move deeper into Rafah in night of heavy battle
Israeli tanks advanced to the edge of a crowded district in the heart of Rafah on Wednesday during one of the most intense nights of bombardment of the southern Gaza city since Israel launched its offensive there this month.
Israel’s assault on Rafah on Gaza’s southern edge has set hundreds of thousands of people fleeing what had been a refuge for half of the enclave’s 2.3million people. It has also cut off the main access routes for aid into Gaza, drawing international fears of mass casualties and famine.
Israel says it has no choice but to attack the city to root out the last battalions of Hamas fighters it believes are sheltering there. Its troops have been slowly moving into the eastern outskirts of Rafah since the start of the month.
Residents and militants said tanks had taken up new positions on Wednesday further west than before along the southern border fence with Egypt, and were now stationed on the edge of the Yibna neighbourhood at the centre of Rafah. They had not yet entered the district as fighting had been intense.
Watch: Spain announces recognition of Palestinian state
Israel says Irish, Spanish, Norwegian ambassadors will watch 7 October video
The Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz has said Spanish, Norweigan and Irish leaders will watch a video of Hamas’s 7 October attacks.
Mr Katz said: “History will remember that Spain, Norway and Ireland decided to award a gold medal to the Hamas murderers and rapists, who raped teenage girls and burned babies.
“I ordered the ambassadors to be immediately summoned for reprimand talks - during which they will watch the horrifying kidnapping video of the abduction of the female observers to illustrate to them what a twisted decision their governments made.
“Israel will not go over this in silence - their step will have serious consequences.”
Ireland to recognise Palestine on 28 May
Ireland will recognise Palestine as an independent state on 28 May in a move intended to show support for the “security, dignity and self-determination” of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Writing on X, Irish foreign minister Micheal Martin, said: “Today, the Government announces it will formally recognise the State of Palestine on May 28th.
“Today, we state clearly our unambiguous support for the equal right to security, dignity, and self-determination for the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.”
Which countries recognise Palestine as an independent state?
The UK does not formally recognise the state of Palestine, though the foreign secretary, David Cameron, has previously suggested Britain is ready to give it official, diplomatic recognition.
Currently, 143 of the 193 member states of the United Nations recognise the state of Palestine. Palestine has been a non-member observer state of the United Nations General Assembly since November 2012.
Earlier this month, the United Nations General Assembly granted Palestine additional rights, including being seated with member states, the right to introduce proposals and participate in committees. It still does not have the right to vote.
Read more here:
Which countries recognise Palestine as an independent state?
Some 140 of the 193 member states of the United Nations currently recognise the state of Palestine
Palestinian Authority and Hamas welcome decision
The Palestinian Authority and its rival group Hamas both welcomed the planned recognition of a Palestinian state by Ireland, Spain and Norway.
The Fatah-run Palestinian Authority exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank territory while Hamas runs Gaza. The two factions fought a civil war in 2007, when Hamas took over the Gaza strip.
Israel slams ‘distorted move’ and recalls ambassadors
Israel’s Foreign Secretary, Israel Katz, responded with fury at the decision and suggested the move threatened the security of his country.
Mr Katz also recalled Israel’s envoys to Ireland and Norway “for urgent consultations”, saying he would do the same with Spain.
“Today’s decision sends a message to the Palestinians and the world: terrorism pays. This distorted step by these countries is an injustice to the memory of the victims of 7 October.
“It is 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-defence.”
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