Israel-Gaza live: Norway, Ireland and Spain to recognise Palestinian state as Israel slams ‘distorted’ move

Ireland will recognise Palestine as an independent state on 28 May in a move intended to show support for the “security, dignity and self-determination” of both Israelis and Palestinians.

Writing on X, Irish foreign minister Micheal Martin, said: “Today, the Government announces it will formally recognise the State of Palestine on May 28th.

“Today, we state clearly our unambiguous support for the equal right to security, dignity, and self-determination for the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.”

The UK does not formally recognise the state of Palestine, though the foreign secretary, David Cameron, has previously suggested Britain is ready to give it official, diplomatic recognition.

Currently, 143 of the 193 member states of the United Nations recognise the state of Palestine. Palestine has been a non-member observer state of the United Nations General Assembly since November 2012.

Earlier this month, the United Nations General Assembly granted Palestine additional rights, including being seated with member states, the right to introduce proposals and participate in committees. It still does not have the right to vote.

The Palestinian Authority and its rival group Hamas both welcomed the planned recognition of a Palestinian state by Ireland, Spain and Norway.

The Fatah-run Palestinian Authority exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank territory while Hamas runs Gaza. The two factions fought a civil war in 2007, when Hamas took over the Gaza strip.

Israel’s Foreign Secretary, Israel Katz, responded with fury at the decision and suggested the move threatened the security of his country.

Mr Katz also recalled Israel’s envoys to Ireland and Norway “for urgent consultations”, saying he would do the same with Spain.

“Today’s decision sends a message to the Palestinians and the world: terrorism pays. This distorted step by these countries is an injustice to the memory of the victims of 7 October.

“It is a blow to efforts to return the 128 hostages, and a boost to Hamas and Iran’s jihadists, which undermines the chance for peace and questions Israel’s right to self-defence.”

Ireland, Spain and Norway have announced they will recognise a Palestinian state as Israel accused the nations of “rewarding” Hamas for its brutal attack on 7 October.

The move is seen by all three countries as necessary to secure a two-state solution and ensure peace for both the Israeli and Palestinian people, and it comes amid mounting international criticism over Israel’s plans to conduct a full-scale offensive in the besieged southern Gaza city of Rafah, where around one million Palestinians are sheltering. The move will offially come into force on 28 May.

Around 1,200 people are believed to have been killed during the Hamas attack inside Gaza, while 250 people were taken hostage, around 120 of which remain in Gaza. More than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 80,000 during the Israeli assault on Gaza triggered by that attack, according to health officials in the Hamas-run strip.