Headline Roundup • May 22nd, 2024
Ireland, Norway, and Spain Move to Recognize Palestinian Statehood
World,Middle East,Europe,Israel Hamas Violence,Palestine,Israel,Ireland,Norway,Spain,Foreign Policy,United Nations
Summary from the AllSides News Team
The prime ministers of Ireland, Norway, and Spain announced intentions to officially recognize Palestinian statehood on Wednesday.
The Details: Official recognition by these three countries marks a significant boost to the cause of independent Palestinian statehood; 146 out of 193 United Nations member states now recognize a state of Palestine. This does not imply a downgrading of the countries’ diplomatic ties with Israel; Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre framed the move as a push towards a two-state solution.
Reactions: Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced the immediate recall of Israel's ambassadors to Ireland and Norway, while warning of “severe consequences” for Spain if it proceeds. Katz framed the collective recognition as a reward for Hamas terrorism. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Mission to the United Nations expressed gratitude for this declaration and appealed to other nations to support their struggle for liberation and independence.
How the Media Covered It: Coverage often echoed pre-existing divides on Israel and Palestine, employing common types of bias. Fox News (Right bias), which has been generally supportive of the Israeli war effort, highlighted a House Democrat who “blasted” the European countries — a common media practice where a political opposite’s agreement is highlighted to make one’s own side appear more rational. Meanwhile, the pro-Palestinian Middle East Eye (Left bias) used a photo of Spanish lawmakers smiling, signaling a positive emotional reaction to the story. This summary was developed with the help of AllSides' AI technology.
Featured Coverage of this Story
REUTERS/Susana Vera
Ireland, Spain and Norway announced on Wednesday that they would recognise a Palestinian state on May 28, prompting an angry response from Israel which said this amounted to a "reward for terrorism" and recalled its ambassadors from the three capitals.
Dublin, Madrid and Oslo painted the decision as a move aimed at accelerating efforts to secure a ceasefire in Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza.
They urged other countries to follow suit although the United States, Israel's main ally, stood by its position that a Palestinian state should be realised through direct...
Reuters
Spain, Ireland and Norway recognise the state of Palestine, the three countries said on Wednesday.
"Today, Ireland, Norway and Spain are announcing that we recognise the state of Palestine," Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said at a news conference.
Harris added that other countries are expected to join the trio in the coming weeks.
"Each of us will now undertake whatever national steps are necessary to give effect to that decision."
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that his country's cabinet would recognise an independent Palestinian state on Tuesday.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
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...
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