The recognition of Palestinian statehood could further escalate the war between Israel and Hamas, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has said.
“[The two-state solution] could ensure lasting peace, but today we see that both sides are not ready for this solution yet, and it may not only fail to defuse this conflict, but it may escalate it even further with all the ensuing consequences and loss of human life. I think we have to act wisely and calmly here and not aggravate the situation further,” Nausėda told journalists on Wednesday.
The president reiterated that Lithuania is in favour of the two-state solution.
“Such a two-state solution is also enshrined in the documents of the European Council and other documents of the European Union,” he pointed out.
The prime ministers of Spain, Norway, and Ireland said on Wednesday their countries would recognise Palestinian statehood. Lithuania, meanwhile, would support a pan-European decision on the issue, according to Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis.
“We respect the right of states to recognise Palestine bilaterally, but we want a more European step. For the time being our position is unchanged – we support the two-state solution,” he told journalists on Wednesday.
Following statements by Ireland and Norway, Israel recalled its ambassadors from these countries for “urgent consultations”.
In March, the leaders of Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Malta said in a joint communiqué they were ready to recognise Palestinian statehood.
Ireland has long stated it had no objection in principle to the formal recognition of the Palestinian state if it contributed to the peace process in the Middle East.
The outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip in October gave fresh impetus to this issue.
According to Israeli figures, more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians, were killed during the Hamas attack on October 7.
According to the figures from the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, more than 35,000 people, mostly women and children, have already been killed in the war in Gaza that broke out in response to the attack.
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