The Spanish, Irish and Norwegian governments announced Wednesday they would recognize a Palestinian state, saying there would be no peace in the Middle East without it. Israel denounced the move as giving aid to its enemy Hamas.
In their announcements, the leaders of the three countries emphasized that peace could only come through a two-state solution, so a Palestinian state needed to exist. The United States has said recognition of such a state is premature.
“In the midst of a war, with tens of thousands killed and injured, we must keep alive the only alternative that offers a political solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike: Two states, living side by side, in peace and security,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said.
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz ordered the immediate recall of the Israeli ambassadors to Spain, Ireland and Norway. “I am sending a clear message today: Israel will not be complacent against those who undermine its sovereignty and endanger its security.”
The diplomatic moves are purely symbolic — but not without some power.
Ireland said that it hopes its recognition of a Palestinian state — which does not exist — will press Israel, the Palestinians and the international community toward a two-state solution, one that includes the creation of a demilitarized Palestinian state drawn on the borders as they were in 1967, with Jerusalem as a shared capital.
The Palestinian Authority, which could end up ruling a future state, welcomed the recognition, as did its rival Hamas, which is considered a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said his country’s announcement of recognition of a Palestinian state was coordinated with Spain and Norway. He called it “a historic and important day for Ireland and for the Palestinians.”
“I’m confident that further countries will join us in taking this important step in the coming weeks,” Harris said. There are reports that Slovenia and Malta may also recognize a Palestinian state soon.
Diplomats say having three European nations recognize a Palestinian state together gives the gesture more heft — and dilutes the tough blowback from Israel. Read more
Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you. For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief. For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.
For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11).
Interracial Marriage 
The white women in these countries are a treat to marry. Black men that marry white women from Norway, Ireland, and Spain are pleased. While women from any geographic place may not be all sunshine, mindsets go a long way in marital satisfaction.
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