'Rewarding The Jihadists Of Hamas And Iran': Israel Fumes As Ireland, Spain And Norway Set To Recognise Palestine As A State

Israel on Wednesday (22 May) slammed the three European Union (EU) countries set to recognise Palestine as a state later this month.

While most of the world recognises Palestine as a state, only nine of the 27 EU countries support Palestinian statehood.

Ireland and Spain on Wednesday simultaneously announced plans to recognise Palestinian statehood on 28 May, joining Norway’s earlier declaration for the same.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said it was a move coordinated with Spain and Norway, “an historic and important day for Ireland and for Palestine.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said that his country will recognise Palestine as a state on 28 May.

Sánchez, Spain’s Socialist leader since 2018, made the expected announcement to the nation’s Parliament on Wednesday.

Angered by the decision, the Israeli government has ordered Israel’s ambassadors from Ireland and Norway to immediately return to Israel.

“Ireland and Norway intend to send a message today to the Palestinians and the whole world: terrorism pays,” Israeli Foreign Minister Katz said.

He said that the recognition could impede efforts to return Israel’s hostages being held in Gaza and makes a cease-fire less likely by “rewarding the jihadists of Hamas and Iran.”

He also threatened to recall Israel’s ambassador to Spain if the country takes a similar position.

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