Tensions between Spain and Israel escalate after recognition of Palestinian state

Tensions between Spain and Israel have increased after Spain announced last week that it would recognize the state of Palestine on May 28.  

On Monday, the day before Spain officially recognizes the Palestinian state, Israel formalized the prohibition to the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem to provide services to Palestinians in the West Bank.  

Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz said in a post on X that Israel "will not remain silent in the face of a government that rewards terror." 

"The days of the Inquisition are over. Today, the Jewish people have a sovereign and independent state, and no one will force us to convert our religion or threaten our existence - those who harm us, we will harm in return," he added.

Meanwhile, at a joint press conference in Brussels, Spain, Ireland and Norway called on Israel to comply with the International Court of Justice's ruling and stop the attacks on Rafah.  

Israel attacked a refugee camp in the south of the Gaza Strip on Sunday night, killing at least 40 people, according to several media reports. The attack came after Hamas launched missiles at Tel Aviv, most of which were intercepted and caused no casualties.  

The foreign ministers of the three countries condemned the Israeli attacks and reminded Israel that the court orders are binding.  

"It is time to implement the two-state solution as the best way to achieve what we all want, which is lasting peace," said Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares. 

The foreign ministers of the three countries also urged other states to join in recognizing Palestine in order to "bring peace" to the Middle East.