Biden advocates for direct talks as the pathway to a Two-state solution for Palestine

US President Joe Biden believes the two-state solution should be brought about through direct negotiations and not a ‘unilateral recognition’, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on Wednesday after the leaders of Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced plans to recognise the Palestinian state.

Sullivan called Israel’s decision to withhold funds from the Palestinian authority ‘wrong’, noting that withholding funds destabilises the West Bank and undermines the search for security and prosperity for the people of Palestine.

As Spain, Norway, and Ireland announced plans to formally recognise a Palestinian state, Israel reacted to the decision of the three nations in anger and immediately recalled their ambassadors from each country, CNN reported.

Irish foreign minister Micheal Martin said the recognition of the Palestinian state will come into force in all three nations on May 28, with the prime ministers of the nations calling the move an ‘important step’ towards “peace” in the region.

The Israeli embassy in Ireland condemned the decision of Spain, Norway, and Ireland to recognise Palestinian statehood, stating that it brings more questions than answers and sends a message that “terrorism pays.”

The Israeli embassy warned that such a decision ‘jeopardises’ any possibility of Hamas releasing the hostages still being held in Gaza. On Tuesday, the Israeli foreign ministry shared a video on its social media channels and warned Ireland that it risked becoming a “pawn” of Hamas and Iran if it went ahead with its plan to recognise the Palestinian state.