Three vs One, and could be more
Three countries recognize Palestine
This week, Ireland, Norway and Spain stated they would recognize a Palestinian State. This comes during the war in Gaza, and increases Israel’s isolation. There have been discussions about recognizing a Palestinian state in the European Union for weeks. This post will talk about the consequences of this move by the three countries.
The recognition of the Palestinian State is planned for May 28th.
Israel then recalled its envoys from the three countries, mentioning it would show the ambassadors in its territory footage of the October 7th attacks.
Source: Bellum Acta - Intel, Urgent News and Archives
Some politicians have mentioned that the recent war has shown the need for a two-state solution. This comes fifteen years after negotiations collapsed between the Israeli and Palestinian governments. Norway helped broker the Oslo accords. The two-state solution has its roots in the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt. These were later accepted by Israelis and Palestinians in the Oslo accords.
Currently, 140 countries recognize a Palestinian state. Ireland, Norway and Spain have friendly ties with both, the Israelis and the Palestinians. Some European Union countries have indicated they plan to recognize Palestine, mentioning the two-state solution is key for peace in the region.
Even allies of Israel have criticized its recent moves in Gaza. Also, the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Nethanyahu. The International Court of Justice is considering allegations of genocide regarding Israel. The International Criminal Court has also issued an arrest warrant for Yahya Sinwar, the HAMAS leader behind the October 7th attacks.
This move by the three countries increases the isolation of Israel. Possibly, some countries will follow suit.
Irish Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Store, mentioned the recognition of Palestine is in Israel’s best interest. He added that this is a means of supporting the moderates, which have been losing ground in this conflict. Ireland has long sympathized with the Palestinian cause, seeing it as a parallel to its own fighting for independence against British rule.
This could trigger more recognition of Palestine. Foreign Minister of Norway, Espen Barth Eide, mentioned he did not expect the recognition would stop the war in Gaza, but it was a key component for an Arab-led peace initiative.
Israel has recalled the ambassadors of Ireland, Norway and Spain. It accuses the three countries of rewarding terrorism, referring to the October 7th attacks. Israel mentioned they would show the ambassadors footage of the October 7th attacks. On that day, HAMAS militants crossed the border, killing 1200 people and took 250 people hostage. Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich threatened to stop transferring tax revenue for the Palestinian Authority. This would destroy the PA’s ability to pay its workers. Smotrich froze the funds after the attack, but Israel would send the money to Norway. Oslo would later transfer it to the PA.
Source: Kaos & Debate
Israel mentioned this move would trigger more instability in the region. Palestinian Prime Minister, Mahmoud Abbas, celebrated the decision to recognize a Palestinian State. He called other countries to “recognize their legitimate rights and support the struggle of their people for liberation and independence”. HAMAS also welcomed this move. Palestinians in West Bank have celebrated.
The United States stressed it hopes there is a Palestinian state, although through negotiations and not unilateral recognition. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Jordan also welcomed the move.
Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has mentioned he hopes this move moves western countries to follow this same path. It remains to be seen if there is an Arab-led peace initiative, as Norway mentions it could happen. Britain, Australia, Malta and Slovenia have given hints that they could also recognize Palestine soon.
Middle East expert, Margarita Arredondas, stated that the three governments were “rewarding terrorism”.
The key here, is that the bets are made that if these three countries recognize Palestine, other countries will soon follow track. The decision has complicated things with Israel, which could see an increased isolation.
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