Two-state solution

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. 

Norway has announced its intention to recognize Palestine as an independent state, revealed Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre today, confirming previous reports. Støre emphasized that this decision aligns with Israel's interests and serves to preserve the possibility of a political resolution, allowing both Israelis and Palestinians to coexist peacefully.

Spain, Ireland, and other EU nations are intending to acknowledge Palestine's statehood on May 21, as stated by Josep Borrell, the EU's top diplomat for foreign and security policy, reported by Reuters. This announcement comes ahead of the anticipated UN vote on the Palestinian bid for full membership in the global body.

The establishment of an independent, geographically and politically integrated Palestinian state is imperative for both regional and global peace, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli has said.

The Turkish Trade Ministry has refuted allegations circulating in certain media outlets and on social media regarding the continuation of exports to Israel despite the newly imposed embargo.

Defying relevant UN resolutions and the decades-old agreed premise for a solution to Cyprus' division, the representative of the Turkish Ministry of Defense, Zeki Ozturk, insisted on a two-state solution on Thursday. 

China has voiced robust backing for Palestine amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel in Gaza, condemning it as a "tragedy for humanity" and a "disgrace for civilization." Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi underscored the importance of Palestine attaining full membership in the United Nations, urging immediate efforts to secure a ceasefire.

Northern Cyprus will not sit at any negotiating table unless their sovereignty and equal status is recognized, Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar has told AFP.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a decisive statement yesterday, indicating Israel's intention to maintain full military control over all Palestinian territories, even in the event of a two-state solution. Quoted by DPA, Netanyahu's assertion underscores a firm stance on Israel's military presence in regions including the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Fears that the Biden administration's bearish embrace of embattled Israel could "swallow" Israel alive have dramatically intensified this week, JNS writes.
On Wednesday, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the administration is "actively pursuing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with real security guarantees for Israel."