Netanyahu: Recognizing the State of Palestine Will Not Bring Peace
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, has reacted to the decision of Spain, Ireland, and Norway to recognize the State of Palestine, calling it a “reward for terrorism.” He emphasized that recognizing Palestine as a state will neither bring peace nor deter Israel from “defeating” Hamas. Referring to the 80% support among Palestinians in the West Bank for the “horrific massacre of October 7,” Netanyahu labeled Palestine as a “horrific state” and stated that Israel will not agree to its recognition. In a related development, Jonas Gahr Støre, the Prime Minister of Norway, officially announced the recognition of the State of Palestine. He stressed that peace in the Middle East is only possible through a “two-state” solution. Støre viewed this move as support for moderate forces working towards reducing conflicts. Irish officials also reported their government’s decision to recognize Palestine as an independent state. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar welcomed this decision.