Israel recalls its envoys after Ireland and Norway decide to recognise Palestine

Israel recalled its ambassadors to Ireland and Norway after the they announced a decision to recognise Palestine as a state. 

“I have instructed the immediate recall of Israel’s ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations in light of these countries’ decisions to recognise a Palestinian state. I’m sending a clear and unequivocal message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent in the face of those undermining its sovereignty and endangering its security,” Foreign Minister Israel Katz said.

Hamas, meanwhile, welcomed the move: “This is an important step on the road to base the right of the Palestinian people over its land, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.”

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said Ireland, Norway as well as Spain will “now undertake whatever national steps are necessary to give effect to that decision. I am confident that further countries will join us in taking this important step in the coming weeks.”

Hamas welcomes Spain, Norway, Ireland's recognition of Palestine: "This is an important step on the road to base the right of the Palestinian people over its land, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.” https://t.co/9Sm5UGqwNv

— Jotam Confino (@mrconfino) May 22, 2024

Katz warned that the decision by the three European states sends a message to the Palestinians and the world: “Terrorism pays. After the Hamas terror organisation carried out the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, after committing heinous sexual crimes witnessed by the world, these countries chose to reward Hamas and Iran by recognising a Palestinian state.”

“This distorted step by these countries is an injustice to the memory of the victims of 7/10, 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. Israel will not remain silent – there will be further severe consequences. If Spain follows through on its intention to recognise a Palestinian state, a similar step will be taken against it,” he added.

Slovenia and Malta have also expressed a desire to recognise a Palestinian state, while others insist that any recognition must be made as part of a two-state solution.