Norway, Spain, Ireland decide to recognize Palestinian state

Norway

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said that Oslo would recognize an independent Palestinian state on May 28.

"There cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition," he said. "By recognizing a Palestinian state, Norway supports the Arab peace plan."

Spain

For his part, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, speaking to Spanish lawmakers in parliament, announced that Madrid would recognize an independent Palestinian state on May 28.

Ireland

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said that Dublin would recognize the Palestinian state, hoping that other countries would follow in the coming weeks after talking to world leaders.

"Today, Ireland, Norway, and Spain are announcing that we recognize the state of Palestine. In the lead up to today's announcement, I've spoken with a number of other leaders and counterparts and I'm confident that further countries will join us in taking this important step in the coming weeks," Harris said at a press conference.

Harris adds that a two-state solution is the only credible path to peace and security for Israel, Palestine, and their peoples.

The Irish Prime Minister also says that Dublin unconditionally recognizes Israel and "its right to exist securely and in peace with its neighbors" and called for the immediate return of all hostages in Gaza.

Ireland will officially recognize Palestine on May 28, Foreign Minister Micheál Martin said.

Israel's reaction

Israel recalled its ambassadors from Ireland and Norway in response to their decision to recognize the Palestinian state.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz condemned the move, saying it would be "rewarding the jihadists of Hamas and Iran."

"Ireland and Norway intend to send a message today to the Palestinians and the whole world: terrorism pays," Katz said, adding that the move could hamper efforts to secure a ceasefire and return hostages held in Gaza.

He also threatens to recall the ambassador to Spain if it decides to recognize Palestinian statehood.

Palestinian autonomy

Palestine is an independent and partially recognized state in the Middle East and is in the process of being established. Palestinian independence has been recognized by 138 out of 193 UN member states.

Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Sweden are the 9 EU member states that currently recognize the Palestinian state.

The proclamation of the Palestinian state was adopted in Algiers in 1988 at a session of the Palestinian National Council, the highest advisory body of the Palestine Liberation Organization, with 253 votes in favor, 46 against, and 10 abstentions. However, the PLO did not control the territory it claimed.

Recently, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution by an overwhelming majority granting Palestine more rights and privileges as a non-member observer country.