Tag: PLO

Norway, Ireland, Spain defy Israel to recognize Palestinian statehood

22 May 2024, Norway, Oslo: Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store holds a press conference to announce that the government will recognize Palestine as an independent state from 28 May 2024 | Photo: Erik Flaaris Johansen/NTB/dpa

Norway, Spain and Ireland will recognize an independent Palestinian state, their leaders said in near simultaneous announcements on Wednesday, defying staunch opposition from Israel. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said in Oslo he hoped other countries would join in the initiative, believing it will advance the prospects for peace after more than seven months of fighting between Israel and Hamas.

Israel’s dilemma: Regime change or release of hostages
| Is it possible for Israel to do both -- dismantle Hamas and at the same time, recover its hostages? Or will it need to prioritise one over the other?

Israel has two objectives: dismantling of the Hamas regime in Gaza and safe recovery of the hostages abducted on Saturday. Israel will have to prioritise between the two because it is doubtful if both objectives can be pursued and achieved at the same time.