Israeli summons ambassadors from Spain, Norway and Ireland to watch latest Hamas footage

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the ambassadors from Ireland, Norway and Spain to a meeting in Jerusalem on Thursday, where they were reportedly asked to watch the newly published video of Hamas abducting five young women from Nahal Oz during the October 7 attack.

As Israel announced it would withdraw its ambassadors from Spain, Ireland and Norway after the three nations’ leaders declared their intention to recognise a Palestinian state on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Israel Katz also summoned the nations’ own ambassadors to Jerusalem for a “severe reprimand conversation.”

In a statement, Katz said: "History will remember that Spain, Norway, and Ireland chose to reward Hamas murderers and rapists, who raped girls and burned babies, with a gold medal.

“I ordered the ambassadors to be immediately summoned for a reprimand conversation, during which they will watch the horrifying footage of the abduction of the female field observers to illustrate to them what a twisted decision their governments have made. Israel will not let this silently pass us by - their actions will have serious consequences."

Ana Salomon Perez, Ambassador of Spain to Israel, Per Egil Selvaag, Ambassador of Norway to Israel and Sonya McGuinness, Ambassador of Ireland to Israel, viewed the new footage in Jerusalem on Thursday afternoon.

The meeting occurred as Israeli ambassadors made their return home from Norway, Ireland and Spain after the decision of the countries’ national leaders to recognise Palestine as a separate state from 28 May onward.

Avi Nir-Feldklein, Ambassador of Israel to Iceland and Norway, said in a statement on Thursday:

“I am leaving Norway back home today, seven months after the Hamas brutal and vicious terror attack against Israeli civilians. I am leaving due to the Norwegian government’s recognition in a non-existent state, recognition that does not promote a better future in the Middle East but instead is rewarding terrorism, strengthening Hamas and Iran and being counter-productive to the efforts to release our hostages.”

Rodica Radian-Gordon, Ambassador of Israel to Spain, said in a statement on X: “I regret having to return to Israel due to some futile decisions adopted by the Spanish government, which will not contribute to peace and security in the Middle East, nor will they facilitate the release of our 128 kidnapped people still in the hands of Hamas. Many thanks to all the friends of Israel for their constant support. I hope that the ties of friendship between Israel and Spain are stronger than the voices that aspire to distance us.”