PM: Recognition of Palestinian statehood exploited by Hamas

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has told MPs that while he respects the decision of other countries to recognize Palestinian statehood, that move has been exploited by Hamas. 

Speaking in Parliament during a debate on the cost-of-living crisis, Mitsotakis said he could not be "satisfied" to hear Hamas say that the point of recognition would not have been reached were it not for the October 7 attacks on Israel.

Earlier this week, Ireland, Norway and Spain announced that they would recognize Palestinian statehood on May 28. 

Mitsotakis underlined that while his government believes in a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, "any decision on Palestinian status can only be made within the framework of a clearly defined road map leading to that outcome and we believe we are not yet at that point."

"I also respect the decisions of other countries. We...