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Added on the 05/02/2022 11:12:24 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrate outside the Watergate Hotel, Washington DC, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is staying, hours after his address during a joint session of the US Congress. Netanyahu asked lawmakers for steady support as his forces fight Hamas in the Gaza Strip. IMAGES
Ireland's Prime Minister says his country is recognising a Palestinian state "because we believe in freedom and justice as the fundamental principles of international law". Simon Harris draws parallels with Ireland's own request for international recognition, made in 1919. Israel says it is withdrawing its envoys from Ireland, Norway and Spain as the three countries announce plans to recognise a Palestinian state. SOUNDBITE
Ireland's Prime Minister Simon Harris announces that his country, along with Spain and Norway, are to recognise a Palestinian state. Harris describes the move as "historic" and says he believes other nations will follow. The recognition of a Palestinian state has been hastened by the ongoing war in Gaza. Israel has already recalled its envoys from Ireland and Norway. SOUNDBITE
Protesters calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and a halt of US support to Israel's war block a street near the US Capitol, ahead of US President Joe Biden's State of the Union speech. IMAGES
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urges the UN agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) to address allegations its staff were involved in attacking Israel, but distanced himself from calls for its end. "UNRWA has played and continues to play an absolutely indispensable role in trying to make sure that men, women and children who so desperately need assistance in Gaza actually get it," Blinken tells reporters. "That only underscores the importance of UNRWA tackling this as quickly as effectively and as thoroughly as possible," he says after the United States suspended funding. SOUNDBITE