A recent wave of recognitions of Palestinian statehood by several European nations has intensified diplomatic pressure on Israel, signaling a potential shift in the international landscape concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This move has been met with strong condemnation from Israel, further highlighting its growing diplomatic isolation on the global stage.
In May and early June, Norway, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia each formally recognized Palestine as an independent state. These decisions followed earlier acknowledgements by over 140 countries, primarily in the Global South, but represent a significant development as they come from European Union and NATO members, traditionally closer allies of Israel.
The countries explained their decisions as a means to promote peace and secure a two-state solution to the conflict. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre articulated this stance:
“Recognizing Palestine is a way of supporting the moderate forces on both sides… For more than 30 years, Norway has been one of the strongest advocates for a two-state solution.”
Similarly, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez underscored the intent behind Spain’s recognition:
“This recognition is not against anyone, it is not against Israel, it is not against the Jews… This recognition is not an act against the two-state solution, it is an act in favour of the two-state solution.”
Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris echoed these sentiments, noting:
“We had wanted to recognize Palestine at the end of a peace process, however, we have made this move alongside Spain and Norway to keep the hope of peace alive.”
Slovenia followed suit in June, with Prime Minister Robert Golob stating upon the decision:
“Today, the Slovenian government decided to recognise Palestine as an independent and sovereign state.”
In response, Israel reacted sharply, condemning the recognitions as “rewards for terrorism” and asserting they undermine efforts towards a negotiated peace. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz issued a strong rebuke:
“The history books will remember that Spain, Norway, and Ireland decided to award a gold medal to Hamas murderers and rapists… This distorted step by these countries is an injustice to the memory of the victims of 7/10.”
Israel recalled its ambassadors from Norway, Ireland, and Spain, and later from Slovenia, for consultations, signaling a significant diplomatic fallout. The Israeli Foreign Ministry also took steps to restrict interactions with Spanish diplomatic missions in the West Bank.
The wave of recognitions comes amid growing international pressure on Israel regarding its military operations in Gaza and the ongoing humanitarian crisis. It follows the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor seeking arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders and the International Court of Justice’s ongoing proceedings regarding Israel’s actions in the Palestinian territories. The UN General Assembly also recently voted overwhelmingly to grant Palestine enhanced rights and privileges within the organization, further reflecting shifting global sentiments.
These diplomatic actions highlight a deepening divide between Israel and parts of the international community, particularly European nations, regarding the path to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The expanded recognition of Palestinian statehood is seen by its proponents as a step towards securing a lasting peace based on the two-state solution, while Israel views it as an obstacle to direct negotiations and a legitimization of its adversaries.
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