The governments of Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced on Wednesday their plans to recognize Palestine as an independent state. The three countries believe that this formal declaration will help resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Ireland’s Prime Minister, Simon Harris, described the move to implement and officially recognize the two-state solution as a “historic and important day for Ireland and for Palestine,” as reported by the Associated Press reported.
Harris expressed his hope that recognizing a Palestinian state would bring “hope and encouragement to the people of Palestine at one of their darkest hours.”
Norway was the first to announce this decision, with Ireland and Spain following its lead.
“The Norwegian Government has decided that Norway will recognize Palestine as a state,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said in a statement. “In the midst of a war, with tens of thousands killed and injured, we must keep alive the only alternative that offers a political solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike: Two states, living side by side, in peace and security.”
He added, “The terror has been committed by Hamas and militant groups who are not supporters of a two-state solution and the state of Israel. Palestine has a fundamental right to an independent state.”
“There cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition,” he concluded.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Spain would officially begin recognizing a Palestinian state on May 28.
In response to this decision, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, ordered the immediate return of the country’s ambassadors from Norway and Ireland.
“I am sending an unequivocal message to Ireland and Norway — Israel will not let this go quietly,” Katz said.
He also indicated that he would do the same with Israel’s ambassadors in Spain if the country follows through with its intention to recognize Palestine, according to the Times of Israel.
“Ireland and Norway intend to send a message to the Palestinians and the entire world — terror pays,” Katz commented. “This twisted step by these states is an affront to the victims of October 7. It also harms efforts to bring back the 128 hostages.”
“The Irish-Norwegian parade of stupidity does not deter us,” Katz added. “We are determined to achieve our goals: returning security to our citizens, toppling Hamas, and bringing back the hostages.”
