Spain Deputy PM 'from the river to the sea' chant infuriates 'Israel'
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Yolanda Diaz's comments in a social media video explaining Spain's decision to recognize Palestinian statehood infuriated the Israeli envoy in Madrid.
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Screengrab of Spanish Deputy Premier Yolanda Diaz in her social media address on May 23, 2024. (X photo, @CerfiaFR)
Spanish Deputy Premier Yolanda Diaz stated in a social media video posted on Thursday that Madrid's recognition of the Palestinian state on May 28 is only the start of a longer political process, expressing that Spain will continue to exert pressure to "defend human rights and put an end to the genocide of the Palestinian people."
Diaz expressed that although doing the "minimum" was a heroic action, it was still "insufficient", adding that “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free."
To the surprise of nobody at all, the Israeli ambassador to Spain blasted her remarks as inciting hatred and violence, citing on X that Spain as a democratic nation should have "no room for antisemitic declarations."
#Israel is furious at Spanish Deputy Premier Yolanda Diaz says #Spain cannot stop here.
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) May 24, 2024
“We will continue pressuring, from our position in the government, to defend human rights and put an end to the genocide of the Palestinian people,” Diaz said.
“We live in a moment where… pic.twitter.com/UjpiBIHYRC
"Israel" withdrew its ambassadors to Spain, Ireland, and Norway on Wednesday, after the announcement by the three EU governments that Palestinian statehood will be formally recognized next week, a decision the ambassador stated will "not contribute to peace and security."
Earlier, Hamas welcomed the announcement by Ireland, Norway, and Spain of recognizing the State of Palestine, urging countries around the world to follow in their footsteps and recognize the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people, support their struggle for liberation and independence, and end the Israeli occupation.
The movement described this announcement as an "important step" on the path of establishing the Palestinians' right to their land and independent state with al-Quds as its capital.
A member of the political bureau of Hamas, Bassem Naim, praised this move and told AFP, "These successive recognitions are the direct result of this brave resistance and the legendary steadfastness of the Palestinian people."
Ireland, Norway, Spain recognize Palestinian state, Irish PM says
Ireland announced that it recognizes the state of Palestine, as confirmed by Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris today, adding that he expects other countries to join Ireland, Spain, and Norway in the coming weeks.
At a press conference, Harris said, "Today, Ireland, Norway, and Spain are announcing that we recognize the state of Palestine," adding, "Each of us will now undertake whatever national steps are necessary to give effect to that decision."
"I'm confident that further countries will join us in taking this important step in the coming weeks."
He highlighted Ireland's role and history in this by saying, "Taking our place on the world stage and being recognized by others as having the right to be there was a matter of the highest importance for the founders of our state."
According to the New York Times, European countries are experiencing growing international and domestic pressure to adopt a tougher stance against "Israel's" policies in occupied Palestinian territories, especially concerning the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza.
Before the war, Europe was moving closer to "Israel" through financially and politically significant partnerships in trade and science. However, the war and its developments are shifting this dynamic, as per the analysis.
The sympathetic views that bolstered European support for "Israel" after October 7 are diminishing as the Israeli war on Gaza drags on, the humanitarian crisis deepens, and "Israel looks to many people less like a victim and more like an aggressor," the analysis contended.
