By Janet Ekstract NEW YORK – Amid Hamas welcoming the countries of Norway, Ireland and Spain’s decisions to recognize a Palestinian state – Israel’s foreign minister Israel Katz, on Wednesday, recalled its ambassador to Spain after a decision by the Spanish government to recognize a Palestinian state. Katz summoned the ambassadors of Norway and Ireland for “reprimand talks” because their countries also declared they recognize a Palestinian state. The ‘reprimand’ includes the two ambassadors watching violent video taken during the October 7 Hamas attack, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Katz said “History will remember that Spain, Norway and Ireland decided to award a gold medal to the murderers and rapists of Hamas who raped teenage girls and burned babies.” He added “Israel will not let it stand – their step will have serious consequences.”
Meanwhile, Hamas made a statement after the three countries announced their recognition of a Palestinian state. The Hamas statement read: “We welcome the announcement by Norway, Ireland and Spain to recognize of the State of Palestine, and we consider it an important step on the path to establishing our right to our land and establishing our independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.” The statement further called on “countries around the world to recognize our legitimate national rights, support the struggle of our people for liberation and independence, and end the Zionist occupation of our land.”
