Norway, Ireland and Spain have decided to recognize Palestine as an independent state. The decision was announced by heads of government on Wednesday morning and puts further pressure on genocide accusations against Israel in Gaza.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stressed that peace in the Middle East requires a Palestinian state, according to Norwegian NRK and others. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris predicted that more countries will follow their example. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for jeopardizing a two-state solution with his “policy of violence”, reported the Spanish newspaper EL PAÍS.
So far, 143 of the 193 UN member states have recognized Palestine, including Sweden.
Celebrations in Palestine after historic announcements in Europe
The recognition of Palestine by European countries has been welcomed in Palestine, and Mahmoud Abbas, head of the Palestinian Authority, says it strengthens the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
Bassem Naim, spokesman for the political wing of Hamas, sees the decision as a reward for the “courageous resistance” of the Palestinian people and believes it marks a turning point in the international community’s attitude towards Palestine. Israel, on the other hand, has reacted strongly to the announcement, calling home its ambassadors from Norway and Ireland.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, accused Ireland and Norway of sending the message that “terrorism pays”, and warned that their decision “complicates the prospects for a ceasefire” in Gaza and the return of Israeli hostages.
