Israel's Punitive Action Against Spain; Consular Services to Palestinians in Jerusalem Banned

In a punitive move, Israel has banned Spanish consular services in Jerusalem for Palestinians residing in the occupied West Bank. This action, which will take effect from June 1, follows the formal recognition of a 'Palestinian state' by Spain, Norway, and Ireland on Wednesday, May 23. The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated, 'These punitive measures against Spain have begun and will be implemented from June 1. If these directives are not followed, the Foreign Ministry will take further actions.' The Spanish consulate in Jerusalem provides various services, including visa issuance, passport renewal, and administrative services to Palestinians living in the West Bank. On May 23, Norway, Spain, and Ireland announced that they would recognize the Palestinian state on June 28, expressing hope that other Western countries would follow suit. While this decision was welcomed by the Palestinian Authority and the militant group Hamas, Israel recalled its ambassadors from Ireland and Norway. According to Reuters, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated that Oslo would recognize an independent Palestinian state in hopes that it would contribute to peace with Israel. He added, 'In the midst of a war, with tens of thousands dead and injured, we must keep alive the only thing that can provide a safe home for Israelis and Palestinians,' considering the solution to be a 'two-state' one where they 'live in peace.' Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, also stated that this decision was made 'to expedite efforts to ensure a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.' He expressed hope that this decision would 'help other Western countries to follow this path,' adding, 'The more of us there are, the more power we have to establish a ceasefire and achieve the freedom of hostages held by Hamas,' and that this process 'could lead to a peace agreement.'