ISRAEL: Diplo Spat Erupts w/Spain, Ireland & Norway Over Palestine Statehood

The announcement this morning that Ireland, Norway, and Spain will recognise Palestnian statehood is notable in the sense that it is the first time in a decade that EU members have officially recognised Palestine as a nation state, but the move is unlikely to change the situation on the ground in Gaza. Much of the former Eastern Bloc recognises Palestine, and did so when under communist control, with Sweden the only EU member (until today) to recognise Palestine while in the Union. For the three countries recognising Palestine today, they have said they hope it acts as a catalyst for other Western nations to join them. They intend to officially recognise Palestine from 28 May. 

• Israel has reacted by withdrawing its ambassadors from the three countries for consultation. Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that "Today’s decision sends a message to the Palestinians and the world: terrorism pays. [...] these countries chose to reward Hamas and Iran by recognizing a Palestinian state. This distorted step by these countries is an injustice to the memory of the victims of [Oct 7], a blow to efforts to return the 128 hostages, and a boost to Hamas and Iran's jihadists, which undermines the chance for peace and questions Israel’s right to self-defence."
• Notably within the EU, Spain and Ireland have been two of the most vocally critical of Israel's actions in Gaza, and indeed have been seen as close supporters of Palestine for many years. 
• Already, 143 UN member states recognise Palestinian statehood, but this does not extend to Israel's closest allies in the US, UK, Germany and others in Europe, as well as the US' allies in other regions such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia.