The announcement of the recognition of a Palestinian state by Ireland, Norway and Spain triggered an immediate reaction from Israel, which recalled its ambassadors in Ireland and Norway for consultations. This decision comes in the midst of violent conflict between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, a conflict which has caused numerous civilian casualties on both sides and created a disastrous humanitarian situation.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said the recognition is a “historic and important day for Ireland and for Palestine.” This initiative comes in a context where several European countries, including Slovenia and Malta, had already expressed their desire to recognize a Palestinian state. In response, the Israeli Foreign Ministry warned that recognition could turn these countries into "pawns in the hands of Iran and Hamas", stressing that recognition without a negotiated solution constitutes a "reward" for Hamas. Israel considers Hamas a terrorist organization supported by Iran, and believes that any unilateral recognition could encourage further violence.
The conflict was sparked by a Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, which left more than 1170 people dead, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. In response, Israel launched a massive offensive on Gaza, killing at least 35,647 people, according to local authorities, and destroying much of Gaza's infrastructure. Israeli airstrikes continued across the Gaza Strip, severely affecting areas such as Rafah, Jabalia, Zeitoun, and Gaza City, and jeopardizing the functioning of hospitals.
The UN reports that 1,1 million people in Gaza face catastrophic levels of hunger due to the near cessation of humanitarian aid delivery, particularly after Israel took control of the post. Rafah border. Food distribution by UNRWA has been suspended due to lack of supplies and the security situation. Despite the establishment of a temporary port by the United States to facilitate the delivery of aid, approximately 569 tons of aid, mainly food, remains undistributed, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
In this climate of war and humanitarian distress, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has stepped up pressure on Israel. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan announced that he has requested arrest warrants for the Israeli Prime Minister. Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of crimes such as "deliberate starvation of civilians," "intentional homicide," and "extermination." These accusations are intended to underscore the seriousness of Israel's actions in Gaza and reinforce international accountability in the conflict.
The recognition of a Palestinian state by European countries, coupled with accusations of war crimes against Israel, places the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at the center of global attention. International efforts to calm the situation and promote a negotiated solution are more crucial than ever, as violence and suffering continue to increase.
