Devasting attack: People walking past a warehouse destroyed by Israeli strikes in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, Palestine. — AFP
JERUSALEM (Reuters): Israel reprimanded the ambassadors of Ireland, Norway and Spain on Thursday over their governments' plan to recognise a Palestinian state, Israeli officials said, scorning the initiative as a bid to "resurrect... old, failed policies".
Announcing on Wednesday (May 22) that they would recognise a Palestinian state on May 28, the three European countries said they wanted to help secure a halt to Israel's devastating Gaza offensive and revive peace talks that stalled a decade ago.
Reasons for the deadlock include the rise of Hamas who rule Gaza and seek Israel's destruction, and the hard-right Israeli government's expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, which it refuses to cede to Palestinians.
"If Israel has learned anything in recent months, it is that our children deserve a better, safer future - not the resurrection of old, failed policies created by blindsided back-seat drivers abroad," government spokesperson Avi Hyman said.
"A recognition of a Palestinian state does not promote peace. It perpetuates war," he told reporters. "Any kind of so-called solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that compromises Israel's security does not mean peace. There will be zero compromise on our security."
Israel has also recalled its ambassadors in Dublin, Oslo and Madrid for consultations.
Some other Western powers say recognition of a Palestinian state should follow negotiations. - Reuters
