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‘Norway, Ireland, Spain to recognize Palestinian state’ + Palestinian Authority & ‘Hamas welcomes Palestinian statehood recognition’


COGwriter

Three European nations have decided to recognize a Palestinian state:

Norway, Ireland, Spain to recognize Palestinian state

22 May 2024

What you need to know

  • Ireland and Spain have followed Norway in announcing their recognition of a Palestinian state
  • Israel has warned that recognition would “play into the hands” of [militant Islamist] Hamas
  • The Biden administration has signaled potential support for ICC sanctions
  • Israel has recalled its ambassadors to Ireland and Norway …

When asked about the decision by Norway, Spain and Ireland to recognize a Palestinian state, the German Foreign Ministry stressed Berlin’s support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“An independent Palestinian state remains a firm goal of German foreign policy,” a ministry spokesperson told a regular news conference in Berlin, adding that a dialogue process was needed for that goal. …

France said it doesn’t consider now the right moment for this step.

“Our position is clear: the recognition of a Palestinian state is not a taboo for France,” Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne was quoted as saying by AFP. “France does not consider that the conditions have been present to date for this decision to have a real impact in this process.”

Jordan, however, hailed the coordinated move by Ireland, Norway and Spain.

“We value this decision and consider it an important and essential step towards a two-state solution that embodies an independent, sovereign Palestinian state along the July 1967 borders,” Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told a press conference.

Saudi Arabia has also praised the decision by Ireland, Norway and Spain and called on other countries to recognize a Palestinian state. Riyadh has long positioned itself as a champion of the Palestinian cause and has never recognized Israel.

Qatar welcomed the announcements as an “important step in support of a two-state solution.”

The six-member Gulf Cooperation Council said it represented “a pivotal and strategic step towards achieving the two-state solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which represents Muslim countries worldwide, similarly welcomed the move as an “important historic step.” https://www.dw.com/en/israel-hamas-war-norway-ireland-spain-to-recognize-palestinian-state/live-69145493

May 22, 2024

European countries are recognizing a Palestinian state

Ireland, Norway and Spain have recognized a Palestinian state.

Several other European countries have in the past weeks indicated that they plan to make the recognition, arguing a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region. …

Ireland, Norway and Spain have recognized a Palestinian state.

Several other European countries have in the past weeks indicated that they plan to make the recognition, arguing a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region. …

Malta’s government is ready to recognize a Palestinian state “when such recognition can make a positive contribution, and when the circumstances are right,” the Mediterranean country’s Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.

In an emailed statement, the ministry said that authorities were monitoring developments in the Middle East to determine “the optimal timeframes” for a recognition.

Malta was among four EU states, including Ireland, Spain and Slovenia, that in March started discussions on a possible recognition of a Palestinian state. Ireland, Spain and Norway said Wednesday they were moving forward with their recognition. …

The Belgian government was discussing whether to join three other European nations in recognizing a Palestinian state at its weekly meeting on Wednesday, and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said that any recognition needed to have the right timing.

“You can recognize only once. So when we do it, it needs to come at the right moment when it has an immediate impact. I want an impact on two issues. I want an end to violence in Gaza. I want that the hostages are freed,” he told VRT network. https://apnews.com/live/palestinian-state-recognized-european-countries-live

Israel365 News (I365) reported the following related Hamas’ response to the recognition:

Hamas welcomes Palestinian statehood recognition

May 22, 2024

“We consider this an important step towards affirming our right to our land,” the group said in a statement, calling “on countries around the world to recognize our legitimate national rights.”

The Palestinian Authority also expressed support for the decisions, which will be implemented on May 28.

Israel blasted the move, calling it a reward for terrorism and the atrocities Hamas committed on Oct. 7.

“Today’s decision sends a message to the Palestinians and the world: Terrorism pays. After the Hamas terror organization carried out the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, after committing heinous sexual crimes witnessed by the world, these countries chose to reward Hamas and Iran by recognizing a Palestinian state,” Foreign Minister Israel Katz tweeted. https://israel365news.com/390771/hamas-welcomes-palestinian-statehood-recognition/

Yes, the recognition by European countries to recognize Palestinian statehood would be seen as a major win by Hamas.

The idea that many in Europe would support a Palestinian state was reported on by the old Worldwide Church of God back in 1980:

The dependence of Western Europe upon Mideast oil is now leading to what could be the most serious rupture of all in the alliance.

To insure access to future energy supplies, the Europeans feel they must display more sympathy with the Arab cause. In their June summit in Venice, the European Economic Community (Common Market) countries stopped just short of political recognition of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Only intense pressure from Washington forced the EEC to postpone sponsoring a controversial resolution in the United Nations Security Council calling for Palestinian “self-determination” — a code phrase for a Palestinian state in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.(Hogberg G. EUROPE AT THE CROSSROADS! Plain Truth, August 1980)

The EEC meant the European Economic Community, which turned into the European Union in 1993 (see also The European Union and the Seven Kings of Revelation 17).

With the EU sanctions in place against Russia, this has affected EU energy needs.

Now, one difference between now and 1980 is that the Biden-Harris Administration wants a separate Palestinian state, hence there is much less USA resistance to European recognition of a Palestinian state than the USA had back in 1980.

Israel has long been concerned about the plans of the Biden-Harris Administration related to Palestine as the following helps point out:

Biden seeks to divide Jerusalem with ‘Palestinian’ consulate

October 17, 2021

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken told visiting Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid that the US will move forward with its plan to reopen its consulate in Jerusalem.

“We’ll be moving forward with the process of opening a consulate as part of deepening of those ties with the Palestinians,” Blinken said at the State Department. …

The 175-year-old consulate served as the de facto embassy to the Palestinian Authority in Jerusalem. https://www.israel365news.com/200442/biden-seeks-to-divide-jerusalem-with-palestinian-consulate/

Now as far as Jerusalem itself goes, Islamic prophetic understandings sometimes include the idea that Muslims will takeover and control Jerusalem:

Having done this his next step would be to proceed on to Damascus, where the bulk of the Nasara (Christian) forces along with the tribe of Kalb would be deployed, as was previously mentioned.

In Damascus, the Imam will set up his headquarters. From here, he will conduct military operations against the enemies of Islam and defeats them (such as the ones in Jerusalem), and from here, he will rule.

In response to this, the Roman forces will attack, and destroy the city of the Prophet (Madina), and start to gather their forces against its inhabitants…

After the slaying of Dajjal by Prophet Eessa, Imam Mehdi will not live for very long. A few months will elapse and this great Imam, a man who provided the perfect sequel to Allah’s Supreme Religion -ISLAM, will pass on to the realms of the hereafter. The Muslims will perform his Janazah Salat and bury him, and the Messiah son of Maryam will then become the new ruler of the Muslims. (http://www.nooredarwesh.com/main/imam-mahdi-as viewed 05/01/10)

Abu Nadra reported: We were with the company of Jabir Ibn Abdillah… Jabir Ibn Abdillah kept quite for a while and then reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) having said: “There would be a Caliph in the last (period) of my Ummah who would freely give handfuls of wealth to the people without counting it.” I said to Abu Nadra and Abu al-Ala: Do you mean Umar Ibn Abd al-Aziz? They said: NO, (he would be Imam Mahdi). References: Sahih Muslim, English version, v4, chapter MCCV, p1508, Tradition #6961 Sahih Muslim, Arabic version, Kitab al-Fitan, v4, p2234, Tradition #67 (Imam Mahdi (Descendent of Prophet Muhammad PBUH) by Mufti A.H. Elias and Mohammad Ali ibn Zubair Ali. Islam.tc, http://www.islam.tc/prophecies/imam.html viewed 02/03/2012)

Some in the Muslim Brotherhood, which officially wants a caliphate, had been pushing for Jerusalem to be part of the Islamic world as the following shows:

The supreme guide of the Muslim Brotherhood, from which Egypt’s President Mohammed Mursi emanated, called on Thursday for a jihad (holy war) to liberate Jerusalem from Israeli rule.

“Jerusalem is Islamic … and nobody is entitled to make concessions” on the Holy City, said Sheikh Mohammed Badie in his weekly message to supporters.

“The jihad for the recovery of Jerusalem is a duty for all Muslims,” he said, stressing that the liberation of the Holy City “will not be done through negotiations or at the United Nations.” (Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood chief urges Jihad for Jerusalem. Al Arabiya with AFP. 11 October 2012. http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/10/11/243221.html)

Some Islamic Shi’ite predictions also suggest that the Mahdi will rule (at least for a time) in Jerusalem, and that may be.

It should be noted that many Arabs also want Jerusalem as a capital:

Egyptian Cleric Safwat Higazi … reiterated the campaign promise, but this time in more unequivocal language: “Our capital shall not be Cairo, Mecca, or Medina. It shall be Jerusalem, Allah willing. Our cry shall be: ‘Millions of martyrs march toward Jerusalem! Millions of martyrs march toward Jerusalem!’” (http://www.jewishpress.com/news/israel/muslim-brotherhood-launches-presidential-campaign-the-capital-of-the-united-states-of-the-arabs-will-be-jerusalem/2012/05/10/)

A “United States of the Arabs” sounds a lot like the King of the South that the Bible foretells–so another Islamic “prophecy” that seems to align with a biblical one (see also in YouTube video The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South).

Consider that the Dome of the Rock marks the site Muslims often claim Mohammad ascended into heaven from. Plus consider that the Al-Aqsa Mossque (shown with a blueish gray dome in the photograph at the beginning of this post) is near it, in Jerusalem.

Whether or not the Koran or Mohammad considered Jerusalem as sacred, many Muslims do.

Notice the following about Jerusalem being a burden:

1 The burden of the word of the Lord against Israel. Thus says the Lord, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him: 2 “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. 3 And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it. (Zechariah 12:1-3)

Jerusalem is already considered burdensome by much of the international community.

A regional war is expected.

That said, what about the new recognition by Spain, Norway, and Ireland?

Well, two of those nations descended from the tribes of Israel.

Consider the following from the late WCG evangelist Dibar Apartian:

This soon-coming union of ten nations or governments prophetically represents the last “head” of the resurrected “beast”-the revival of the “Holy Roman Empire” (Rev. 17 :9- 1 2). But contrary to what you may think, it will NOT consist only of Gentile nations. It will INCLUDE a group of ISRAELITISH nations. “Come out of her , my people,” says God in Revelation 18:4. “My people” means Israelites in Bible prophecy. Yes, once again, Joseph’ s own brothers will sell him to the Gentiles!

Once again REUBEN (the first-born of Jacob who anciently conspired with his brothers, will “act” in terms of saving him, but end · up by compromising with his brothers to send him into CAPTIVITY.

Ever since the early days of American history, the French have been on our side. There exists a brotherly link among all the ISRAELITISH nations. Nevertheless, by uniting politically with the “beast,” some of the modern Israelites will be instrumental in conquering the United States and Great Britain. (Apartian D. Prophecy Reveals the Future of France. Plain Truth, August 1963, p. 19)

The descendants of Reuben will play their part in selling into slavery their brother Joseph – just as Reuben did some 3700 years ago. You are now beginning to see why the relations between the United States of America and France are gradually deteriorating. (Apartian D. France: The Enigma of our Time. Plain Truth, August 1966, pp. 11-12)

(Gen. 37:18-20). Notice well what took place. The brothers CONSPIRED against Joseph; filled with jealousy, they wanted to KILL him. Afterwards, they would LIE to their father, telling him that a wild beast had devoured Joseph. What about the next two verses, some may argue? Well, let’s once again examine them in the light of the Biblical account, and let US not be misled by our human reasoning.

“And Reuben heard it [the plot to kill Joseph], and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand Upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again (verses 21, 22).

At first glance, it may seem, indeed , as though Reuben acted well. He proposed an alternative to deliver Joseph out of his brothers’ hands. This sounds good to our human mind, to our carnal way of thinking. But is that what was expected of Reuben? Is that all he could do- he, the firstborn? Was his duty to compromise with his brothers over whom he had authority? According to the Bible, a firstborn in Israel had certain privileges his brothers did not have. His heritage was bigger and he received the greater portion of the blessings. He was next to his father in power and authority. Therefore, as the leader of his brothers, Reuben was actually RESPONSIBLE for what happened to Joseph. He should have acted the way Jacob, his father, would have acted had he been there- and not have compromised with them. Many overlook this important point when they read this story. Consequently, they don’t see where Reuben failed. No, Reuben did NOT act with courage and dignity. He was afraid of his brothers; he FEARED for his own life if he tried to stop them by force. COMPROMISE is all he could think of – but compromise is a very poor substitute for one’s own duties and responsibilities. …

A Striking Parallel

There may be a striking parallel between Reuben’s behavior in the past and that of France today. Indeed, in a few years, Reuben’s modern descendants will be at the side of the prophesied “beast” of Revelation when the Anglo-Saxons (the descendants of Joseph) are taken captive. France, like her forefather Reuben, will probably seek a compromise to prevent her former allies – the very SONS of Joseph – from being taken captive by the enemy. But what good will that really do? What good did it do to Joseph?

A compromise never relieves one from one’s own responsibilities. Without a doubt, Reuben loved his brother; he exerted himself in his own ways, through his own human reasoning, to save him. But the fact remains that he ended up by acting like a foe! France today also likes her “kin,” her natural allies. But, unless she repents, France will end up BEING a foe! (Apartian D. France: The Enigma of our Time. Plain Truth, August 1966, p. 32)

Why mention that here?

Because we are seeing the descendants of the tribes of Dan (Ireland) and Benjamin (Norway) turn against their brother Judah (modern nation called Israel). For more on the modern  identities of the tribes of Israel, check out the free online book: Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?

Anyway, the recognition of the State of Palestine will not solve the issues in the Middle East.

However, a temporal peace deal will one day come to the region per Daniel 9:27 (see also The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27).

Jesus taught that Jerusalem would be surrounded by armies just before it is time for His followers to flee (see also There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Near Petra):

20 But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. (Luke 21:20-24)

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:15-21)

Notice that in Luke 21, Jesus referred to armies–plural–suggesting that Jerusalem would have more than one army–perhaps armies from many nations, such as an international army of some sort.

The Jerusalem surrounded by armies prophecy will be fulfilled weeks before the start of the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21-22).

As Jesus said, “Watch” (Mark 13:37).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to two related videos: Gaza and Bible Prophecy and Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Near Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety,’ Zephaniah 2 to ‘gather together,’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on fleeing to a place–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. Two sermon-length videos of related interest are available Physical Protection During the Great Tribulation and Might Petra be the Place of Safety?  Here are two related items in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra? and Existe un Lugar de Seguridad.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2024, 2025, or 2026? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? A related video is: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027? A shorter video is: Tribulation in 2024? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año  de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.
Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There are also two related YouTube videos you can watch: Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated and God’s and Satan’s Plan for Jerusalem.
Does the Church of God need to be headquartered in Jerusalem? Some say so. But what does the Bible teach? A related short video is also available: Does the Bible endorse Jerusalem as the Church of God headquarters now?
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? Does the Bible require a rebuilt Jewish Temple? Could the old Temple have been somewhere other than the “Temple Mount”? Here is a related article in the Spanish language ¿Por qué no se requiere un templo judío en Jerusalén? Here is a link to a sermon titled The Temple, Prophecy, and the Work.
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
Islamic and Biblical Prophecies for the 21st Century This is a free online book which helps show where biblical and Islamic prophecies converge and diverge.
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about the peoples of Africa, Asia, South America, and the islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 at 7:00 am and is filed under Prophecy.



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