Gaza war: Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognise Palestinian state

Forward of Spain’s cupboard assembly, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez mentioned recognising Palestine was “not solely a matter of historic justice”, it was additionally “an important requirement if we’re all to realize peace”.

He insisted that Spain was not appearing in opposition to Israel and was standing in opposition to Hamas which opposed a two-state answer.

Israel seems most offended with Spain. Its Overseas Minister, Israel Katz, has posted a video on social media exhibiting flamenco dancing and music juxtaposed with express pictures of the 7 October assault, with the phrases: “Hamas: thanks Spain.”

Spain condemned the put up as “scandalous and revolting”. Mr Katz posted comparable movies about Eire and Norway.

The row deepened when Spain’s deputy Prime Minister, Yolanda Díaz, referred to as publicly for Palestinians to be “free from the river to the ocean”, a controversial phrase which many Israelis think about antisemitic and a name for the entire destruction of the state of Israel.

In a put up on X, previously Twitter, Mr Katz hit again on Tuesday, evaluating Ms Díaz to the Hamas commander, Mohamed Sinwar, and Iran’s Supreme Chief, Ali Khamenei. He advised Mr Sánchez that if he didn’t hearth his deputy, “you might be taking part within the incitement to commit genocide and battle crimes in opposition to the Jewish folks”.

Diplomats suspect that Israel has responded robustly in the direction of Spain, Eire and Norway to discourage different international locations from following their lead.

Slovenia, Malta and Belgium have in current months indicated they might recognise Palestine too. However Belgium’s authorities seems to have cooled on the concept forward of elections.