Three European nations formally recognized a Palestinian state Tuesday, a move that holds diplomatic importance but has little immediate impact on the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
Spain, Norway and Ireland now join a group that includes more than two-thirds of the United Nations member states that recognize a Palestinian state.
“This is a historic decision that has a single goal, and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said in a televised address from Madrid.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian flag flew alongside the Irish flag outside the seat of Ireland’s parliament. “It is no longer enough just to condemn. It is no longer enough just to be repulsed,” Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris told lawmakers. “We must be on the right side of history.”
Norway’s prime minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, said in a paper statement, that in the midst of the ongoing war, “we must keep alive the only alternative that offers a political solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike: Two states, living side by side, in peace and security.”
Leaders in Slovenia and Finland said they would consider formally recognizing a Palestinian state in the future. The United States and United Kingdom, among other nations, support the idea of a separate, independent Palestinian state alongside Israel that is the result of a negotiated peace agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the EU nations recognizing a Palestinian state, saying, “The intention of several European countries to recognize a Palestinian state is a reward for terrorism,” adding “This evil must not be given a country.”
“A reward for terrorism will not bring peace – and it will not stop us from defeating Hamas either,” the Israeli prime minister said.
Yasmeen Alamiri, Tim McPhillips and Dan Cooney produced and edited this post.
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