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Added on the 26/05/2024 15:05:34 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
Ireland's Prime Minister says his country is recognising a Palestinian state "because we believe in freedom and justice as the fundamental principles of international law". Simon Harris draws parallels with Ireland's own request for international recognition, made in 1919. Israel says it is withdrawing its envoys from Ireland, Norway and Spain as the three countries announce plans to recognise a Palestinian state. SOUNDBITE
The United States says it welcomes EU support for continuing development aid to the Palestinian people after attacks on Israel by Islamist militant group Hamas. "They did reverse that, which is a step that we welcome. We have made very clear that we do not have any grievance with the Palestinian people," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller tells reporters. Brussels had earlier rowed back comments from EU neighborhood commissioner Oliver Varhelyi that the bloc was immediately suspending "all payments" to the Palestinians. SOUNDBITE
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is disappointed by an Israeli parliament vote against the creation of a Palestinian state, his spokesman says. "You can't vote away the two-state solution so the secretary-general is very disappointed by the decision of the Knesset," said spokesman Stephane Dujarric. SOUNDBITE
The White House says that President Joe Biden opposes "unilateral recognition" of a Palestinian state, after moves by Spain, Ireland and Norway. SOUNDBITE
Ireland's Prime Minister Simon Harris announces that his country, along with Spain and Norway, are to recognise a Palestinian state. Harris describes the move as "historic" and says he believes other nations will follow. The recognition of a Palestinian state has been hastened by the ongoing war in Gaza. Israel has already recalled its envoys from Ireland and Norway. SOUNDBITE