In a significant move for Middle East peace, Norway, Ireland, and Spain have announced their decision to officially recognize Palestine as a state next week.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store emphasized the importance of recognizing Palestine on Wednesday, stating that peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without such recognition. Ireland’s Prime Minister Simon Harris echoed this sentiment, affirming that his country would also recognize Palestine and take the necessary national steps to implement the decision.
The announcement has garnered support from Palestinian leaders, who view it as a historic moment. However, Israel has strongly condemned the move, recalling its ambassadors from Ireland and Norway immediately. Israel’s Foreign Minister criticized the decision, accusing the European countries of rewarding terrorism and fueling extremism in the region.
In coordinated announcements, Spain, Norway, and Ireland revealed their plans to recognize Palestine on May 28. This decision reflects a departure from the long-held position of Western powers, which have traditionally advocated for a negotiated peace process between Israel and Palestine. Several other European countries have indicated in recent weeks that they plan to make similar recognitions, arguing that a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.
Slovenia also hailed the recognition of an independent Palestinian state by Norway, Spain, and Ireland on Wednesday.
Despite Israel’s opposition, the recognition of Palestine by these European countries marks a significant development in the international push for Palestinian statehood. Currently, 142 out of 193 United Nations member countries recognize the State of Palestine, including many in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. However, notable absences from this list include the United States, Canada, most of Western Europe, Australia, Japan, and South Korea.
