Netanyahu Decries European Recognition of Palestine as Endorsement of Terror

Thursday 23 May 2024 - 09:05

In a scathing rebuke, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lambasted Ireland, Spain, and Norway for their impending recognition of Palestinian statehood, characterizing the move as an "endorsement of terror." His condemnation comes after the European trio unveiled plans to formally acknowledge a sovereign Palestinian state on May 28.

Taking to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Netanyahu minced no words, asserting that "the intention of several European countries to recognize a Palestinian state is a reward for terrorism." He cited widespread Palestinian support for the Hamas attacks on October 7 as evidence of the perils of granting statehood to the Palestinian territories.

"This evil must not be given a country," the Prime Minister declared, alleging that an independent Palestine would perpetuate violence and undermine prospects for peace in the region.

The coordinated European effort, spearheaded by Dublin, Madrid, and Oslo, is intended to reinvigorate the pursuit of a two-state solution to the protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, unveiling the decision before parliament, underscored the recognition as a matter of "peace, justice, and consistency," earning plaudits from Spanish lawmakers.

In a retaliatory move, Israel has recalled its ambassadors from Ireland and Norway for urgent consultations. Furthermore, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced that the ambassadors of the three countries in Israel would be shown footage of the October 7 Hamas attack, underscoring the government's uncompromising stance.

Undeterred, Netanyahu vowed that "a prize for terrorism will not bring peace, and it will not stop us from defeating Hamas either," reaffirming Israel's unwavering opposition to the unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood by the European nations.

The October 7 attack, which precipitated Israel's relentless bombardment of Gaza, occurred against the backdrop of decades of unrelenting aggression, displacement, and subjugation endured by Palestinians under Israeli occupation.