Israel: The Plan of Four European Countries to Recognize a Palestinian State is a 'Reward for Terrorism'

On Monday, April 6, the Israeli Foreign Minister stated that the plan by four European countries to recognize a Palestinian state is a 'reward for terrorism' and reduces the likelihood of reaching a negotiated solution to end the conflicts. Spain announced on Friday that it, along with Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia, agreed to take initial steps to recognize a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza. This comes as Gaza has been under Hamas control since spring 2007. This Islamist group has always rejected any peace with Israel and has repeatedly stated its desire to destroy the Israeli state, having carried out the terrorist attack on October 7 in this context. According to Israel Katz, the Israeli Foreign Minister, recognizing a Palestinian state following the October 7 terrorist attack sends a message to Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist organizations that deadly terrorist attacks against Israel will be met with 'political gestures.' Katz added, 'The solution to end the conflict is only possible through direct negotiations between the parties. Any attempt to recognize a Palestinian state will only move us away from a solution and increase instability in the region.' However, the Israeli Foreign Minister did not refer to his own proposed solution. Meanwhile, some members of the current right-wing Israeli government have openly expressed their opposition to the idea of establishing an independent state for Palestinians and insist on expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Western countries, led by the United States, seek the destruction of Hamas but consider the two-state solution as the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability. The European Union unanimously sanctioned a group of West Bank settlers. The United Nations Security Council is voting on a new resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza. Israeli media reported that the Netanyahu government agreed to release over 700 Palestinian prisoners for a ceasefire agreement. The UN Secretary-General stated that land routes are the only effective way to send aid to Gaza. Israeli officials indicated that the U.S. has made a new proposal for the release of some Hamas hostages. Israel's response to Guterres' criticisms: The UN has become an anti-Semitic and anti-Israel entity. Israel reported that at least 170 Palestinian militants were killed during the clashes at Shifa Hospital.