Israel stated on Monday that the four countries’ plan to recognise a Palestinian state would reduce the chances of a negotiated resolution to the conflict, according to Arab media.
Spain claimed on Friday that it had agreed with Ireland, Malta and Slovenia to take the first steps towards recognising Palestinian-declared statehood in the so-called West Bank and the Gaza Strip in the name of Middle East peace.
Israeli Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, declared:
A resolution of the conflict will only be possible through direct negotiations between the parties. Any engagement in the recognition of a Palestinian state only distances reaching a resolution and increases regional instability.
Katz did not specify which resolution he was referring to. Israel’s refusal to recognise Palestinian statehood drew conflict with Western powers that supported its goal of defeating Hamas but wanted a post-war diplomatic blueprint.
