Israel recalls ambassadors to Norway, Ireland

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said Wednesday he has instructed the immediate recall of Israel's ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations in light of the countries' decisions to recognize a Palestinian state, reported Xinhua.

"I'm sending a clear and unequivocal message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent in the face of those undermining its sovereignty and endangering its security," Katz said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.

Israel has launched a large-scale military offensive in Gaza in response to a deadly surprise attack by Hamas militants in southern Israel on Oct. 7 last year, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 others were taken hostage.

At least 35,647 Palestinians have been killed and 79,852 others injured since the ongoing massive Israeli aggression on Gaza started, according to figures released by Gaza's health authorities on Tuesday.

Katz said the "distorted step" by Ireland and Norway is an injustice to the memory of the Oct. 7 victims and a blow to the efforts to return the 128 hostages, which undermines the chance for peace and questions Israel's right to self-defense.

"Israel will not remain silent and there will be further severe consequences. If Spain follows through on its intention to recognize a Palestinian state, a similar step will be taken against it," he said, stressing that Israel is determined to achieve the goals -- restoring security to its citizens, dismantling Hamas, and bringing the hostages home.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced later on Wednesday that the country will recognize Palestinian statehood.