Spain, Ireland and Norway are expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state this Tuesday (28) – a move that will strengthen the global Palestinian cause, but which has further damaged relations between Europe and Israel.
The three European nations say their historic decision is the best way to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East, but it drew swift condemnation from Israel as its foreign minister ordered the immediate withdrawal of its ambassadors from those countries.
Most of the world already recognizes Palestinian statehood: more than 140 of the 193 United Nations member states have made their recognition official. But only a few nations of the 27-member European Union are among them. Nations that do not include Israel's loyal allies such as the United States and Germany.
On May 10, a non-binding vote at the UN General Assembly showed overwhelming international support for an independent Palestinian state, leaving the US and some of Israel's allies isolated.
Israel and the US maintain that a Palestinian state should only be established through a negotiated agreement.
Pressure on Israel
The planned recognition symbolizes the enormous pressure Israel is under after seven months of war that has devastated Gaza, caused a humanitarian crisis and killed more than 36,000 people in Gaza since October 7.
The decision comes after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to immediately suspend its military operation in Rafah.
Israel faces unprecedented levels of diplomatic pressure to control its military offensive in Gaza.
Source: CNN Brasil
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