In a historic move that elicited jubilation from the Palestinians and condemnation from Israel, Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced on Wednesday that they are recognizing a Palestinian state. Israel promptly recalled its ambassadors to Norway and Ireland and appeared prepared to do the same with its ambassador to Spain.
According to the Reuters news agency, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide announced at a news conference on Wednesday that the three nations will officially recognize an independent Palestinian state on May 28.
This was a rapid succession of announcements. The first country to recognize a Palestinian state was Norway, whose Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated that “peace in the Middle East is impossible without recognition.” He also stated that Norway is supporting Arab peace by doing so.
In the past few weeks, numerous European Union countries have expressed their intention to implement the same strategy, contending that a two-state solution is indispensable for the establishment of enduring peace in the region. The decision has the potential to intensify Israel’s isolation by generating momentum for the recognition of a Palestinian state by other EU countries and by promoting additional actions at the United Nations.
Norway was the first to make a proclamation.
Norway, which is not a member of the European Union but follows its policies, has been a staunch advocate for a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.
“”The Norwegian government leader stated that the terror was perpetrated by Hamas and militant organizations that are not in favor of the state of Israel and a two-state solution.” The right to an independent state is a fundamental right of Palestine.”
The action is being taken in response to Israeli forces’ recent assaults on the northern and southern borders of the Gaza Strip in May, which have resulted in a new exodus of hundreds of thousands of individuals and a significant reduction in the flow of assistance, thereby increasing the likelihood of famine.
Therefore, Gahr Støre stated that the Scandinavian nation “will perceive Palestine as an independent state with all the rights and obligations that entail that.”
The dThe development occurred more than three decades after the initial Oslo accord was inked in 1993. The Norwegian government stated that the Palestinians have made significant progress toward a two-state solution since that time.
In 2011, the World Bank determined that a Palestinian state had attained the necessary criteria to function as a state and that national institutions had been established to provide the population with essential services.
“The conflict in Gaza and the constant expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank still mean that the situation in Palestine is more difficult than it has been in decades,” the Norwegian government said.
Ireland adopted the same approach.
On Wednesday, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris also made a pronouncement, stating that it was a coordinated effort with Spain and Norway and that it was “an historic and significant day for Ireland and for Palestine.””He stated that the purpose of the action was to facilitate the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by implementing a two-state solution.
In the weeks ahead, Harris anticipates that additional nations will join Norway, Spain, and Ireland in acknowledging a Palestinian state.
Spain participated in the initiative.
On Wednesday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has served as the socialist leader of his nation since 2018, delivered the anticipated declaration to the Parliament of his nation.
He has dedicated months to the purpose of traversing European and Middle Eastern countries in order to secure backing for the recognition of a Palestinian state and a potential ceasefire in Gaza. He has stated on numerous occasions that he was dedicated to the relocation.
“We are aware that this initiative will not resurrect the past and the lives that were lost in Palestine. However, we are confident that it will provide the Palestinians with two essential elements for their present and future: hope and dignity,” Sánchez stated.
“This recognition is not against anyone; it is not against the Israeli people,” Sánchez clarified, while acknowledging that it is highly probable that it will result in diplomatic tensions with Tel Aviv. “It is an action that promotes moral consistency, justice, and harmony.”
Sánchez contended that the action is necessary to preserve the viability of a two-state solution, which he stated is “in grave peril” as a result of the Gaza conflict.
“I have spent weeks and months conversing with leaders both within and outside of the region, and it is evident that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not have a peace project for Palestine, despite the legitimacy of the struggle against the terrorist group Hamas,” stated the Spanish leader.
José Albares, the Foreign Minister of Spain, declared earlier this month that his government had informed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken of its intention to recognize a Palestinian state.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, ordered the ambassadors of Ireland and Norway to return to Israel immediately in response to the rapid-fire developments. He had previously threatened to do the same with the ambassador of Spain if it adopted the same stance.
Katz stated, “Ireland and Norway are planning to convey a message to the Palestinians and the global community today: terrorism is profitable.”
He stated that the recognition could impede efforts to return Israel’s captives, who are currently being held in Gaza, and make a cease-fire less likely by “rewarding the jihadists of Hamas and Iran.”
Reactions commencing
Agence France-Press reports that a senior official of Hamas, which is currently engaged in a conflict with Israel in Gaza, stated on Wednesday that the “brave resistance” of the Palestinian people inspired Norway, Ireland, and Spain to recognise a Palestinian state.
Bassem Naim, a prominent member of the Hamas political bureau, stated to AFP, “These successive recognitions are the direct result of the legendary steadfastness of the Palestinian people and this brave resistance. We are of the opinion that this will be a turning point in the international position on the Palestinian issue.”
According to AFP, Hussein al-Sheikh, secretary general of the PLO executive committee, described the actions of Norway, Ireland, and Spain as “historical moments in which the free world triumphs for truth and justice.” The Palestine Liberation Organization, which is recognized worldwide as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, made this statement in a post on X.
Meanwhile, Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s national security minister of the far-right, visited the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem and declared that the disputed holy site pertains exclusively to the state of Israel.
Gvir stated that the visit was in response to the actions of Norway, Ireland, and Spain. He stated, “We will not permit any statement regarding a Palestini or both Jews
and Muslims revere the hilltop compound, but there have been numerous instances of violence in the past due to the conflicting claims.d Muslims.
They are permitted to visit the compound in Israel; however, they are prohibited from praying there. . However, the world is likely to perceive the visit as a provocation.