Gloating Hamas hails ‘important step’ as Ireland, Norway and Spain become the latest nations to recognise a Palestinian state – but Israel says ‘twisted’ move ‘rewards terrorism’

The decision from the three nations comes more than seven months into the devastating Gaza war and after Hamas’ deadly October 7 terror attack

A gloating Hamas has hailed Ireland, Norway and Spain‘s decision to recognise a Palestinian state as an ‘important step’ – as Israel lashed out, accusing the European countries of a ‘twisted’ move that ‘rewards terrorism’.

The decision from the three nations comes more than seven months into the devastating Gaza war and after Hamas’ deadly October 7 terror attack.

Ireland, Norway and Spain said they would formally recognise the State of Palestine on May 28, bringing the number of UN countries that do to 146.

Israel strongly opposes the move, arguing that it amounts to ‘rewarding terrorism’ after the Palestinian terror group Hamas launched its unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel which sparked the bloodiest ever Gaza war.

But Hamas welcomed the decision and urged other countries to follow suit.

‘We consider this an important step towards affirming our right to our land,’ it said, calling ‘on countries around the world to recognise our legitimate national rights’.

But Hamas welcomed the decision and urged other countries to follow suit.

‘We consider this an important step towards affirming our right to our land,’ it said, calling ‘on countries around the world to recognise our legitimate national rights’.

Several EU countries have in the past weeks indicated that they plan to make the recognition, arguing a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.

The decision may generate momentum for the recognition of Palestine by other EU countries and could spur further steps at the UN, deepening Israel’s isolation.

Norway, which is not a member of the EU but mirror its moves, has been an ardent supporter of a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.

‘The terror has been committed by Hamas and militant groups who are not supporters of a two-state solution and the state of Israel,’ the Norwegian government leader said. ‘Palestine has a fundamental right to an independent state.’

Wednesday’s announcements come more than 30 years after the first Oslo agreement was signed in 1993. Since then, ‘the Palestinians have taken important steps towards a two-state solution,’ the Norwegian government said.

It added that the World Bank determined that a Palestinian state had met key criteria to function as a state in 2011, that national institutions have been built up to provide the population with important services.

‘The war in Gaza and the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank still mean that the situation in Palestine is more difficult than it has been in decades,’ it said.

In making his announcement, Irish Prime Minister Harris said the move was coordinated with Spain and Norway – and that it was a ‘historic and important day for Ireland and for Palestine.’ He said it was intended to help move the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to resolution through a two-state solution.

Harris said he thinks other countries will join Norway, Spain and Ireland in recognizing a Palestinian state ‘in the weeks ahead.’