Recognition of a Palestinian state “is not a taboo for France” but Paris believes that the conditions are not met “to date for this decision to have a real impact” on the process aimed at a two-state solution, Stéphane Séjourné, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, reacted to AFP on Wednesday May 22. “This decision must be useful, that is to say allow a decisive step forward on the political level,” he said as Spain, Ireland and Norway announced that they would recognize a Palestinian state. Follow our live stream.
A group announcement. Norway first announced that it was preparing to recognize the existence of a Palestinian state, in the context of the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas. This recognition will be effective from May 28, said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, despite warnings from the Israeli government. At the same time, Ireland and Spain also formalized their recognition of the Palestinian state.
Israel recalls its ambassadors. The Israeli Foreign Ministry reacted by recalling “for consultation” its ambassadors in Ireland and Norway. “Israel will not remain silent on this issue”, declared Foreign Minister Israel Katz. The day before, he had warned that “recognizing a Palestinian state risks transforming you into a pawn in the hands of Iran” and Hamas.
A recognition to defend favor of a two-state solution. Norway assured that the recognition of a Palestinian state constituted a sign of “support for moderate forces” in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “Recognition can no longer wait for a peace solution”, affirmed his Prime Minister. For Ireland, this recognition constitutes “the only credible path to peace and security for Israel and Palestine”. France, like many NATO countries, does not recognize a Palestinian state.
Hamas welcomes this announcement. “We consider this an important step towards asserting our right to land and establishing a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.”he declared, while the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) evokes “historical moments”.