Israel, Spain and Norway to formally recognize Palestinian statehood
Ireland, Spain and Norway will formally recognize a Palestinian state on May 28, a milestone diplomatic decision that hopes to bring resolution to the conflict in Gaza.
“We must be on the right side of history,” Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said amongst the announcements with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Harris, speaking at a news conference in Dublin, said he hopes the decision would “offer hope and encouragement to the people of Palestine at one of their darkest hours.”
Sánchez addressed the Spanish Parliament, stating:
“We hope that our recognition and our reasons contribute to other western countries following this path, because the more we are, the more strength we will have to impose a ceasefire, to achieve the release of the hostages held by Hamas, to relaunch the political process that can lead to a peace agreement.”
Støre shared similar sentiments in his announcement, citing the decision as a political solution for both Palestinians and Israelis. “Two states, living side by side, in peace and security,” Støre said. “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.”
Despite Israel recalling its Oslo, Dublin and Madrid ambassadors, ordering a formal reprimand and Foreign Minister Israel Katz stating the decision “rewards” Hamas and Iran, Sánchez maintains the recognition goes against no one and instead “is an act in favor of peace, justice and moral consistency.”
Only a few of the 27 European Union countries recognize a Palestinian state, but Ireland, Norway and Spain will join the more than 140 United Nations member states in this process.
