UPDATE – Israel to recall its envoys from Ireland, Norway, Spain for ‘severe reprimands’ over Palestinian state recognition

UPDATES WITH DETAILS; CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK; EDITS THROUGH

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) – Israel said Wednesday that it will recall the envoys of Ireland, Norway and Spain for “severe reprimands” over their decisions to recognize a Palestinian state.

“Their step will have severe consequences,” Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz threatened in a statement.

Katz said Tel Aviv will also recall its ambassadors from the three European countries for consultations.

“Israel will not remain silent in the face of those undermining its sovereignty and endangering its security,” he added.

Formal recognition of Palestine as a state by Norway, Ireland, Spain will enter into force on May 28, 2024

Palestine is already recognized by nine European countries: Bulgaria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Sweden, Malta 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 35,600 Palestinians have been killed, the vast majority of whom have been women and children, and nearly 79,900 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.