Following the recognition of Palestine as an independent state by Ireland, Norway, and Spain, Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz has ordered the immediate return of Israeli ambassadors from these countries. In a social media post, Katz condemned the decision, stating, “Today's decision sends a message to the Palestinians and the world: terrorism pays.”

Katz argued that this recognition could undermine efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and diminish the likelihood of a ceasefire, which he claimed would reward “the jihadists of Hamas and Iran.” He emphasized, “Israel will not remain silent in the face of those who undermine its sovereignty and threaten its security.”

In addition to recalling its ambassadors, Tel Aviv has summoned the ambassadors of Ireland, Spain, and Norway to Israel for a “reprehensible dialogue.” The Israeli Foreign Ministry plans to show them a video of the kidnapping of Israeli female soldiers on October 7.

This diplomatic fallout coincides with intensified Israeli military operations on Gaza's northern and southern borders, which have severely restricted the flow of aid and escalated the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the recognition of Palestine, urging other countries to follow suit. In a statement via the official Palestinian news agency Wafa, Abbas described the decision as reinforcing “the Palestinian people's right to self-determination” and advancing efforts for a two-state solution with Israel.

Hussein al-Sheikh, Secretary General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), hailed the recognition as a “historic moment,” asserting that it paves “the path to stability, security, and peace in the region.”