Ireland, Norway, Spain To Recognise Palestine State From Next Week
Ireland, Norway, and Spain have announced that they will formally recognise a Palestinian state from May 28. The decision, intended to support peace, is not an endorsement of Hamas or an opposition to Israel, according to statements from Spain and Ireland.
Israel reacted angrily to the development, which is happening amidst the ongoing Israel attack on Gaza since October 7, 203, warning that this move would lead to greater instability in the region and recalling its ambassadors to all three countries. Meanwhile, both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, welcomed the recognition.
Norway was the first to announce its decision on Wednesday, in a coordinated effort with Ireland and Spain. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store stated that the recognition supports moderate forces in the long-standing conflict and is an investment in a two-state solution for lasting peace in the West Asia.
Following Norway”s announcement, Ireland and Spain quickly followed suit. Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin emphasized their support for the equal rights of both Palestinian and Israeli peoples, with Prime Minister Simon Harris clarifying that “Hamas is not the Palestinian people” and that the recognition aims to foster a peaceful future.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the decision is not against Israel or Jews, nor is it in favour of Hamas, but is a move for peace and coexistence.
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced the immediate return of Israeli ambassadors from the three countries and warned of further serious consequences. He also ordered reprimand talks with the ambassadors of Ireland, Norway, and Spain in Israel.
The State of Palestine is currently recognized by 143 countries. With this latest decision, Norway, Spain, and Ireland will join the list of countries recognizing Palestine next week. Recently, in 2024, Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados have recognised Palestine state.
Before this, countries like Mexico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Colombia, Saint Lucia, Sweden, Guatemala, Haiti, the Vatican, Thailand, Chile, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Lesotho, South Sudan, Syria, Liberia, El Salvador, Honduras, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada and Iceland had recognised the Palestine state since 2011.
