Today in the Middle East – A Palestinian state
On Wednesday, Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced their recognition of a Palestinian state, a largely symbolic yet historic gesture that intensifies Israel’s isolation amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Israel swiftly condemned the actions and summoned its ambassadors from the three nations.
In recent weeks, multiple European Union countries have signaled their intention to recognize a two-state solution as vital for enduring peace in the region. This decision could create a domino effect, prompting other European Union nations to recognize a Palestinian state and potentially leading to more actions at the United Nations, which may increase Israel’s isolation.
Meanwhile both the United States and Israel were quick to dismiss the recognition of a Palestinian state as to premature. The White House issued a response from President Joe Biden moments after the announcement from the three countries of their recognizing a Palestinian state.
President Biden believes a Palestinian state “should be realized through direct negotiations between the parties, not through unilateral recognition,” a White House National Security Council spokesperson said. “The president is a strong supporter of a two-state solution and has been throughout his career,” the spokesperson adds.
Israel’s reaction to the measures adopted by Norway, Ireland, and Spain was unequivocal, with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz recalling its ambassadors from these nations and summoning their representatives in Israel. Katz announced on social media that the ambassadors from the three countries “will watch a video of the brutal and cruel kidnapping of our daughters by Hamas terrorists, to emphasize the distorted decision their governments have made. ”
“History will remember that Spain, Norway, and Ireland decided to award a gold medal to Hamas murderers and rapists,” he said. He also said the announcement would undermine talks aimed at a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza that came to a standstill earlier this month.
The Palestinians have embraced the announcements as a validation of their longstanding pursuit of statehood in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip—areas captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war and still under its control. Following Norway’s declaration, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas hailed the decision and urged other nations to do the same.
In a statement carried by the official Wafa news agency, Abbas said Norway’s decision will enshrine “the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination” and support efforts to bring about a two-state solution with Israel.
Netanyahu Lays Out His “Day After Plan.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed his “Day After Hamas Is Defeated” plan for Gaza in an interview with CNN.” “Resettling Gaza… was never in the cards,” Netanyahu said in the CNN interview with the US on Tuesday. “Some of my constituents are not happy about it, but that’s my position.”
Netanyahu stated to CNN that once the Palestinian militant organization Hamas is defeated, it is imperative to secure a sustainable demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, adding that “the only force that can prevent the resurgence of terrorism for the foreseeable future is Israel.
Netanyahu has indicated that his plans would include providing the citizens of Gaza with a significant role in establishing a new government. “At the same time we want – I want – a civilian administration that is run by Gazans who are neither Hamas nor committed to our destruction.”
The plan could benefit Netanyahu, who is up against a June 8th deadline set by Minister Benny Gantz. On Saturday, Gantz insisted that Netanyahu agree to a vision for the Gaza conflict, which should outline the governance of the territory post-conflict with Hamas. Gantz has threatened to pull his centrist party out of the conservative prime minister’s emergency government if his demands are not satisfied.
For more on the Netanyahu – Ganz and what the two are disagreeing about read my recent column for all the details by clicking here.
The Battle Over Humanitarian Supplies Continues
Israel has significantly increased aid to Gaza, with plans to open an additional cargo crossing and boost the number of aid trucks entering the enclave. On average, Israel has been transporting 400 trucks daily into Gaza, with further assistance planned. This figure does not include the airdrops conducted in various areas of the Strip.
Current data indicates that since the onset of the Israel war against Hamas, approximately 430,000 metric tons of food have been delivered to Gaza. In addition, about 23,000 tons of medical supplies, 250,000 tents (40,000 of which were purchased by Israel), and daily water allocations of 25 liters per person, accounting for nearly 45% of the daily water requirement, have been supplied. Egypt has also opened two new water lines to Gaza. Despite these efforts, it is believed that Hamas has appropriated 60% of all incoming aid, accruing profits upwards of $500 million.
The challenges continue, but the dedication to delivering essential resources to those in need remains unwavering. In May 2024, Israel has initiated measures to increase aid to Gaza despite the ongoing conflict. The following are some significant developments:
- Humanitarian Routes:
- Israel has approved the opening of two humanitarian routes into Gaza:
- Erez Gate: This northern Gaza crossing has been temporarily re-opened for the first time since the start of the war.
- Ashdod Port: It will also be opened for humanitarian deliveries.
- Israel has approved the opening of two humanitarian routes into Gaza:
- New Land Crossing:
- Israel is building a new land crossing into northern Gaza, where starvation is most acute.
- The new crossing is designed to handle up to 50 aid trucks per day, and the first trucks have already crossed it.
Whether the humanitarian aid is sufficient for the citizens of Gaza remains uncertain, but Israel has been facilitating aid entry into Gaza since the early stages of the conflict with Hamas. However, the trust issues surrounding the U.N. Relief and Works Agency and its effectiveness in delivering food to those in dire need persist.
Jim Williams covers the conflict between Israel and Hamas, offering comprehensive written articles and video coverage on various Middle Eastern issues.
Washington based CEO & Founder of LJC. Media covering politics, sports, & entertainment A seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director, and podcast host. Digital Director and Washington Bureau Chief at News Talk Florida & The Daily Cable
