US opposes recognition of Palestinian state, Israel calls it ‘reward for terror’

Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (May 22) slammed some Western nations for the recognition of the State of Palestine, calling the move a "reward for terror". Netanyahu's remarks came after Ireland, Spain and Norway announced that they will formally recognise a Palestinian state on May 28. The United States President Joe Biden also opposed "unilateral recognition" of a Palestinian state.

The announcement by prime ministers Jonas Gahr Store of Norway, Pedro Sanchez of Spain and Simon Harris of Ireland came after recent development when the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor said he would seek arrest warrants for Israel's prime minister and Hamas leaders.

Spanish PM also asked for support from other states to recognise the Palestinian State. He said the move would reinforce efforts to revive a two-state solution to the West Asian conflict.

"Fighting the Hamas terrorist group is legitimate and necessary after October 7, but Netanyahu is causing so much pain, destruction and resentment in Gaza and the rest of Palestine that the two-state solution is in danger," Sanchez told parliament.

'Reward for terror'

In the immediate aftermath, Israel recalled its ambassadors from Dublin, Madrid and Oslo. It also withheld vital funds from the Palestinian Authority.

In a statement, Netanyahu said, "The intention of several European countries to recognise a Palestinian state is a reward for terror."

He added that a sovereign State of Palestine would be a "terror state" that would "try to repeatedly carry out the massacre of October 7th".

PLO hails the move

Despite Israel's fury, the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) hailed the move as "historic". Hamas called it an "important step" that resulted from the "brave resistance" of Palestinians.

According to the Palestinian Authority, which rules parts of the occupied West Bank, 142 of the 193 UN members already recognise a Palestinian state.

Watch:European trio recognises Palestinian state | US: Russia launched Space weapon

Biden opposes 'unilateral recognition'

The White House said Wednesday that Biden opposes "unilateral recognition" of a Palestinian state.

Biden "believes a Palestinian state should be realized through direct negotiations between the parties, not through unilateral recognition," National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)