Intention of several European countries to recognize Palestinian state ‘reward for terrorism': Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday criticized the announcement by three European countries recognizing a Palestinian state, alleging that such a move constitutes a “reward for terrorism.”

Netanyahu claimed in a recorded speech on X: “The intention of several European countries to recognize a Palestinian state is a reward for terrorism and will not bring peace.”

He also alleged that this Palestinian state would be a “terrorist state,” affirming that his government "will not consent to this” and “will not stop it from defeating Hamas.”

Since late 2022, Israel has been governed by a far-right government led by Netanyahu, the leader of the Likud Party, which vehemently opposes even discussing the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The formal recognition of Palestine as a state by Norway, Ireland and Spain will enter into force on May 28, 2024.

Palestine is already recognized by eight European countries: Bulgaria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Sweden, and the Greek Cypriot administration.

The recognition comes as Israel continued its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023 despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in the enclave.

More than 35,700 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and nearly 80,000 others injured since last October following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas.

More than seven months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered it to ensure that its forces do not commit acts of genocide and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala