Three European countries formally recognized an independent Palestinian state on Tuesday, sparking anger in Israel as it continues its military offensive in Gaza.
The previously announced steps by Spain, Norway and Ireland were largely symbolic but a rebuke to Israel amid growing international dissatisfaction with Israel’s years of military assault on Gaza and occupation of Palestinian territory. .
Meanwhile, Israel launched an airstrike on a camp for displaced Palestinians in Rafah on Sunday, killing dozens of people, sparking global outrage despite international calls for the military to curb its offensive in the southern Gaza city. Analysts say growing concern over the civilian death toll may prompt more countries to follow suit.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday accused Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of being complicit in inciting acts against Jews over his role in recognizing a Palestinian state.
But Sanchez dismissed that in a speech ahead of a cabinet vote on the matter on Tuesday, calling the recognition a matter of “historical justice” and a “necessity” to achieve peace.
“The recognition of Palestine is not directed against anyone, least of all Israel,” he said on the steps of Prime Minister Moncloa’s palace. “This is a friendly country that Spain values and highly respects, and our goal is to build the strongest possible relationship with Israel.” relations. “Moreover, our decision reflects our absolute rejection of Hamas, a terrorist organization that opposes a two-state solution. “
Ireland joined the European Union and Ukraine in flying the Palestinian flag outside the presidential palace on Tuesday, saying it had agreed to establish full diplomatic relations and would appoint an ambassador to the Palestinian state. “Together with Spain and Norway, we have taken this action to preserve the miracle of peace,” Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said. “I once again call on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to listen to the world and stop the humanitarian catastrophe we are seeing in Gaza.”
Although many countries have recognized Palestinian statehood, the closely coordinated actions of the three European countries have increased their influence amid mounting casualties from the Gaza war, a step that most Western European countries and the United States have refused to take. in support of Israel.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gall Storr said in an interview last week that Norway was taking action together with Spain and Ireland to salvage the possibility of a two-state solution, which the Israeli government has publicly rejected.
Storr said Norway wanted to break what he saw as a “downward spiral in which militant groups such as Hamas set their agenda on the Palestinian side” while the Israeli government “established hundreds of thousands of settlers” in occupied lands.
Even if the reality of two states seems far away, Storr said, “more European countries are making the same analysis as Norway, that Palestinians should have the same rights and obligations required for statehood” dedicated to peace and development .
The moves may not have an immediate impact on conditions for Palestinians in Gaza, where health authorities say more than 36,000 people have been killed in more than seven months of Israeli bombing and ground fighting.
The White House has flatly refused to unilaterally recognize Palestinian statehood, and National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said President Biden “believes that a Palestinian state should be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties.”
Aaron Boxerman, Steven Erlanger and Emma Bubola Contributed reporting.
