Spain, Ireland, Norway to Recognize Palestinian State Today

Ireland’s cabinet is expected to confirm the decision following extensive deliberations in parliament.

Pedro Sánchez, Spain's Prime Minister, addressed the matter at the Moncloa Palace, underscoring the significance of recognizing Palestine. “The recognition of the state of Palestine is not only a matter of historical justice, but we are all aiming at establishing peace,” he affirmed. He emphasized Spain’s vision for a unified and contiguous Palestine, advocating for a viable state with East Jerusalem al-Quds as its capital.

In a notable development, the European Union has deliberated on imposing sanctions on the Israeli regime in response to its genocidal campaign in Gaza. Ireland’s Foreign Minister Micheal Martin disclosed discussions on potential sanctions as a response to Israel's non-compliance with the International Court of Justice's directive to cease its attack on Rafah. Martin highlighted the gravity of the talks, indicating a shift in EU policy regarding Israeli atrocities in the enclave.

“Certainly, if compliance isn’t forthcoming, then we have to consider all options,” Martin said, adding that it was the first time he had witnessed EU ministers hold “a significant discussion on sanctions”.

“Mr Martin said a number of foreign ministers had also raised the prospect of sanctions against Israeli officials who were aiding and abetting violent West Bank settlers,” RTE also reported.

The Biden administration said it has closely monitored the fallout from an Israeli military strike on a displaced Palestinians' camp near Rafah. The National Security Council conveyed deep concern over the loss of innocent men, women and children, terming the strike devastating and heartbreaking.

Prominent Democratic lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez condemned the strike as “an indefensible atrocity,” urging the suspension of military aid to Israel.

She added in a post on X that the strike on the city in southern Gaza was carried out in “open defiance” of the White House and the International Court of Justice.

“It is long past time for the President to live up to his word and suspend military aid,” she said.

Mouin Rabbani, a non-resident fellow at the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies in Doha, Qatar, said that in contrast with previous attacks by Israeli forces on Palestinian civilians, Israel claims now that it is investigating the Rafah camp attack that killed 45 people.

Rabbani critiqued the lack of concrete action by Western powers in halting Israeli aggression, emphasizing the need for substantive measures to end the violence. He questioned the efficacy of US and European policy in Gaza, saying, “what we’ve learned is that US President Joe Biden’s “red line” (in Gaza) is actually a river of Palestinian blood. And senior US officials are quite happy to swim in it.”

“As far as the Europeans are concerned, we’ve seen quite extensive condemnation of this attack,” he added.

Since October 7, the Israeli genocidal war in Gaza has resulted in staggering casualties, with at least 36,050 Palestinians killed and 81,026 wounded.