On Wednesday, the leaders of Norway, Spain, and Ireland announced their formal recognition of Palestine as an independent state, marking a significant diplomatic move in support of the two-state solution in the Middle East.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store emphasized the importance of recognition for achieving peace in the region. “There cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition,” he stated at a press conference. Norway, which is not an EU member but often aligns with its policies, has been a steadfast advocate for a two-state solution.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed that Spain's council of ministers will formally recognize the Palestinian state on Tuesday, May 28. Sanchez criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies in Gaza, stating they endanger the two-state solution. “Next Tuesday, May 28, Spain’s cabinet will approve the recognition of the Palestinian state,” he announced.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris declared the decision a coordinated effort with Spain and Norway, calling it "an historic and important day for Ireland and for Palestine." Both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas welcomed this recognition. The Palestinian Authority exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank, while Hamas controls Gaza.
The move has been praised by Jordan as a crucial step towards Palestinian statehood. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi underscored its significance for the two-state solution based on the July 1967 borders. “We value this decision and consider it an important and essential step towards a two-state solution that embodies an independent, sovereign Palestinian state,” he said.
In response, Israel recalled its envoys from Spain, Ireland, and Norway. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz issued a strong statement, warning that Israel would not remain silent and had ordered the return of ambassadors for consultations in Jerusalem. “Today, I am sending a sharp message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not go over this in silence,” Katz said.
The recognition by these European countries comes amid escalating violence in Gaza and growing international calls for a ceasefire. Norway’s Prime Minister reiterated the country’s support for Palestine’s right to statehood, reflecting Norway’s long-standing advocacy for a two-state solution. The move also follows the first Oslo Agreement signed in 1993 and acknowledges the progress Palestine has made towards statehood, despite ongoing challenges such as illegal settlements in the West Bank and the conflict in Gaza.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store emphasized the importance of recognition for achieving peace in the region. “There cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition,” he stated at a press conference. Norway, which is not an EU member but often aligns with its policies, has been a steadfast advocate for a two-state solution.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed that Spain's council of ministers will formally recognize the Palestinian state on Tuesday, May 28. Sanchez criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies in Gaza, stating they endanger the two-state solution. “Next Tuesday, May 28, Spain’s cabinet will approve the recognition of the Palestinian state,” he announced.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris declared the decision a coordinated effort with Spain and Norway, calling it "an historic and important day for Ireland and for Palestine." Both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas welcomed this recognition. The Palestinian Authority exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank, while Hamas controls Gaza.
The move has been praised by Jordan as a crucial step towards Palestinian statehood. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi underscored its significance for the two-state solution based on the July 1967 borders. “We value this decision and consider it an important and essential step towards a two-state solution that embodies an independent, sovereign Palestinian state,” he said.
In response, Israel recalled its envoys from Spain, Ireland, and Norway. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz issued a strong statement, warning that Israel would not remain silent and had ordered the return of ambassadors for consultations in Jerusalem. “Today, I am sending a sharp message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not go over this in silence,” Katz said.
The recognition by these European countries comes amid escalating violence in Gaza and growing international calls for a ceasefire. Norway’s Prime Minister reiterated the country’s support for Palestine’s right to statehood, reflecting Norway’s long-standing advocacy for a two-state solution. The move also follows the first Oslo Agreement signed in 1993 and acknowledges the progress Palestine has made towards statehood, despite ongoing challenges such as illegal settlements in the West Bank and the conflict in Gaza.
