In response to the recent announcement by Norway, Ireland and Spain of their intention to recognize the Palestinian state, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs is considering further diplomatic actions, including revocation of visas.
The leaders of three European countries said yesterday, on May 24, they plan to recognize Palestine as a state next week officially, revealing that the recognition will take effect on May 28, VisaGuide.World reports.
Israel recalled its ambassadors in response to the largely symbolic moves by the EU countries. It also considers turning to the United States for diplomatic support to demand explanations from Norway, Ireland and Spain about their decisions.
In this regard, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is seeking harsh punitive measures against Palestine, such as the ban on the transfer of tax funds to the Palestinian Authority, the cancellation of a mechanism set up with Norway to help transfer salaries to PA workers in Gaza, and requested Israel’s authorization of thousands of new settlements in response.
Recognition of Palestine as a State to Bring Peace to the Middle East
The authorities of Norway, Ireland and Spain reported that the decision to recognise Palestine is expected to have an immediate impact, particularly on people living in Gaza – where the Israel-Hamas war has created a dire humanitarian crisis and killed more than 35,500 Palestinians.
The move also comes after Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced this week that Israel will allow its citizens to return to three former West Bank settlements after being barred from doing so.
Norway, which is not a member of the EU, has been an ardent supporter of a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.
The terror has been committed by Hamas and militant groups who are not supporters of a two-state solution and the state of Israel. Palestine has a fundamental right to an independent state.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris also announced this Wednesday, saying it was a coordinated move with Spain and Norway and a historic and important day for Ireland and Palestine.
He explains that the move was intended to help move the Israeli-Palestinian conflict toward resolution through a two-state solution. According to Harris, other countries will join Norway, Spain and Ireland in recognizing a Palestinian state in the coming weeks.
In addition, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez made the expected announcement in his country’s Parliament yesterday. He has spent months touring European and Middle Eastern countries to rally support for the recognition of a Palestinian state as well as a possible cease-fire in Gaza. He has said several times that he was committed to this movement.
Malta & Slovenia Considering the Recognition of Palestine as a State
Earlier this month, Spanish Foreign Minister José Albares said he had informed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken of his government’s intention to recognize a Palestinian state.
In the past weeks, many other EU countries indicated they plan to make the same move, arguing that a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region. Thus, in March of this year, EU members Malta and Slovenia suggested they considered recognising Palestine as “a positive contribution” towards ending the war.