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Added on the 22/05/2024 09:58:56 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
Ireland's Prime Minister Simon Harris announces that his country, along with Spain and Norway, are to recognise a Palestinian state. Harris describes the move as "historic" and says he believes other nations will follow. The recognition of a Palestinian state has been hastened by the ongoing war in Gaza. Israel has already recalled its envoys from Ireland and Norway. SOUNDBITE
Recognising the State of Palestine "is justice for the Palestinian people (and) the best guarantee of security for Israel," Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares says alongside Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa. SOUNDBITE
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says "the moment has come" for the European Union and the international community to "recognise the state of Palestine". Speaking on a joint tour of the Middle East with his Belgian counterpart Alexander De Croo, Sanchez adds "Spain will take their own decisions" if other EU states are not ready for the recognition. SOUNDBITE
Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas will ask the EU to officially recognise the state of Palestine when he meets foreign ministers from the bloc on Monday, says Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad al-Malki in an AFP interview. SOUNDBITE
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer offers a state apology for the Grenfell Tower fire disaster that killed 72 people in 2017, as the release of a final report found the deaths were avoidable. "It should never have happened. The country failed to discharge its most fundamental duty. To protect you and your loved ones, the people that we are here to serve. And I am deeply sorry," Starmer says in a statement to parliament. SOUNDBITE