The Irish government is set to announce the recognition of a Palestinian state, a move strongly opposed by Israel, a source familiar with the matter has said.
European Union members Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and Malta have indicated in recent weeks that they plan to make the recognition, possibly in a coordinated announcement, arguing a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.
The efforts come as a mounting death toll in Gaza from Israel's genocidal war on Gaza prompts calls globally for a ceasefire and lasting solution for peace in the region.
Since 1988, 139 out of 193 UN member states have recognised Palestinian statehood.
The Irish government has said recognition would complement peace efforts and support a two-state solution.
Israel's foreign ministry on Tuesday warned against the move, saying in a post on social media platform X that recognition would "lead to more terrorism, instability in the region and jeopardise any prospects for peace."
"Don't be a paw in the hands of Hamas," the ministry said.
Norway has become the first European country to announce that it would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant if warrants issued by a panel of judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) are confirmed.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said if arrest warrants are issued against Netanyahu and Gallant on behalf of the Hague Tribunal, they will be obliged to arrest them if they arrive in Norway.
A Norwegian online newspaper said Eide confirmed that Netanyahu risks being extradited if he visits Norway.
Noting that a panel of judges at the ICC will consider whether the arrest warrants should be issued, Eide reiterated that a person who the ICC has issued an arrest warrant for will have to expect to be handed over to the court in accordance with Norway's obligations.
"We expect that all state parties to the ICC will do the same," he added.
The United States should slap sanctions on International Criminal Court officials who seek an arrest warrant for hawkish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a top foreign policy adviser to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has said after meeting the Israeli leader.
Robert O'Brien, who served as Trump's fourth and final national security adviser, made the comments in a West Jerusalem interview with Reuters news agency after meeting Netanyahu and other Israeli officials during a multi-day visit to the US ally.
O'Brien, who said Trump would be briefed on the results of the trip, discussed what he called the ICC's "irrational decision" to issue a warrant for Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, along with three Palestinian Hamas leaders, in his meetings with the Israeli officials.
"We can sanction the bank accounts, the travel. We can put visa restrictions on these corrupt prosecutors and judges. We can show some real mettle here," O'Brien told Reuters.
O'Brien was joined by former US ambassador to the UAE John Rakolta and former ambassador to Switzerland Ed Mc Mullen.
The trip, first reported by Reuters, was a rare case of Trump allies traveling abroad as part of an organised delegation to meet foreign officials. It took place amid strains between Israel and the Biden administration about the US Middle East ally's conduct of genocidal war in Gaza.
Source: TRT World
BDST: 1043 HRS, MAY 22, 2024
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