House Democrat blasts Ireland, Spain, Norway recognition of Palestinian state as 'gift to Hamas'

Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., on Wednesday blasted Ireland, Spain and Norway’s decision to recognize Palestinian statehood, arguing the move sent a "message to terrorists" that "abhorrent tactics work." 

"I’ve long advocated for Palestinian self-determination and statehood, and will continue to do so," Phillips, who sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote on X.  

"But Spain, Norway, and Ireland’s premature recognition of a state is a gift to Hamas and a message to terrorists around the world that abhorrent tactics work," he said. "Shameful." 

Notably, Hamas celebrated Ireland, Spain and Norway's decision as a significant "turning point," according to a statement shared on X by the Palestinian news agency Quds News Network.