Staff Reports
Spain, Norway, and Ireland made a decision to recognize a Palestinian state together, which went against the wishes of Israeli leaders. This news caused a stir because some Israeli leaders were concerned that recognizing Palestine as a state would reward Hamas for its recent terrorist attack. The leaders of the three countries stated that they made this move to help keep the hope for peace between Israel and Palestine alive, and believed it was a critical decision to promote peace in the region.
This announcement by Spain, Norway, and Ireland comes as about 140 other countries already recognize Palestine as a state. However, major Western powers, including the United States, have not taken this step. The U.S. has expressed its support for a two-state solution through direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine, rather than through unilateral recognition by other countries. This decision goes against the growing frustration that some European countries have with Israel due to ongoing conflicts with Hamas in Gaza, which has resulted in significant destruction and food shortages for the Palestinian population.
5 EU countries that are preparing to recognize the Palestinian state:
🇪🇸 Spain
🇨🇮 Ireland
🇳🇴 Norway
🇸🇮 Slovenia
🇲🇹 Malta pic.twitter.com/y3wMOauGVz— Globe Eye News (@GlobeEyeNews) May 9, 2024
The exact number of casualties from the conflict is difficult to confirm, as reports from different sources vary. Israeli leaders have stated that around 30,000 people have been killed, with about half being identified as terrorists. Meanwhile, the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry reported approximately 35,000 deaths, without distinguishing between civilians and combatants. Amidst this ongoing conflict, a recent Israeli airstrike in Rafah resulted in the deaths of about 45 Palestinians. Israeli authorities are investigating this strike, attributing the deaths to a fire ignited by the strike, and stating that their target was two Hamas leaders.
Overall, the recent actions by Spain, Norway, and Ireland to recognize a Palestinian state are viewed by some as being motivated by frustration with Israel, while others see it as a way to promote peace in the region.
