Ireland, Norway, and Spain have announced they will formally recognize a Palestinian state starting on May 28.
Both Spain and Ireland emphasized that their decision is neither against Israel nor in support of Hamas, but rather a step towards fostering peace.
Israel reacted strongly, warning that this move would lead to increased instability in the region and subsequently recalling its ambassadors from all three countries.
Both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority have welcomed the recognition.
Norway made its announcement first on Wednesday, in coordination with the other two countries.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated that the move supports moderate forces in a prolonged and brutal conflict, describing it as an investment in the two-state solution, which envisions Israeli and Palestinian states coexisting peacefully.
Ireland and Spain quickly followed suit.
Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin declared the recognition as support for the equal rights to security, dignity, and self-determination for both Palestinian and Israeli peoples. Taoiseach Simon Harris reinforced that “Hamas is not the Palestinian people” and the decision aims to foster a peaceful future.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez echoed these sentiments, stating the recognition is for peace and coexistence, not against Israel or in favor of Hamas.
Israel responded with anger. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the move by Ireland, Norway, and Spain a “reward for terrorism,” asserting it would not bring peace. Foreign Minister Israel Katz ordered the immediate return of Israeli ambassadors for consultations and warned of further serious consequences, including summoning the ambassadors of the three countries in Israel for reprimand talks, during which they will be shown a video of the abduction of female Israeli soldiers on October 7.