"I saw the video, even before traveling to Brussels [...], it is outrageous and execrable. The entire planet knows, including my Israeli colleague that we condemned Hamas and its actions", said José Manuel Albares, in a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammad Mustafa, in Brussels (Belgium).

The video released by Israel Katz on social network X (formerly Twitter) begins with two people dancing flamenco, followed by images allegedly captured by militiamen from the Islamist movement Hamas during the attack on October 7, 2023.

The video is accompanied by a message in the center, where you can read "Hamas: Gracias España", alluding to the idea that Spain's recognition of the State of Palestine would benefit the movement considered terrorism.

.@sanchezcastejon, Hamas thanks you for your service. pic.twitter.com/Pkdp5diHRX

— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) May 26, 2024

José Manuel Albares reiterated that the recognition of the State of Palestine is legitimate, in the same way that "the Israeli people have the right to a State", and that it is in line not only with the two-state solution, but also with the resolutions of the United Nations for that purpose.

Palestine is recognized by 143 countries and next week Spain, Ireland and Norway will move forward with recognition.

The Spanish Foreign Minister said that the Government would still assess the allegations made by his Israeli counterpart, without specifying whether there will be diplomatic actions in response, but concluded that "as soon as he can", he will watch a flamenco show, claiming that it is a type of art that brings people together and celebrates unity.

Portugal changed its position on this issue with the change of Government, although it continues to defend the two-state solution.

The previous Foreign Minister, João Gomes Cravinho, even admitted to recognizing Palestine as a State in a short time, but his successor, Paulo Rangel, has ruled out this scenario for now.

The Portuguese Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, reinforced this refusal last week, for now.

[News updated at 3:13 p.m.]

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