Norway, Ireland, And Spain Recognize Palestine As A State, Israel Fumes

Palestine State: The leaders of Norway, Ireland, and Spain have said their countries will formally recognize Palestine as a state for the sake of “peace in the Middle East”. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Wednesday said that a two-state solution was in Israel‘s “best interest” adding that the recognition would come as of May 28.

Both Hamas and its rival, the Palestinian Authority (PA), have welcomed the recognition while Israel reacted angrily, warning the move would mean more instability in the region.

Israel also recalled its ambassadors to Norway, Ireland, And Spain.

Norway, Ireland, and Spain said Wednesday they were recognizing a Palestinian state, a move welcomed by Palestinians as an affirmation of their decades-long quest while Israel recalled its ambassadors to the three countries.

“We hope that our recognition and our reasons contribute to other western countries to follow 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,” said Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez while addressing the lower house adding that the move was aimed at accelerating efforts to secure a ceasefire in Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza.

Several European Union countries designated in the past few weeks that they propose to make the recognition of the Palestinian state as they contended that a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.

Some 140 countries have already recognized a Palestinian state, more than two-thirds of United Nations members barring the major Western countries. Now, this could put more pressure on the continental superpowers France and Germany to reconsider their position.

Several European Union countries designated in the past few weeks that they propose to make the recognition of the Palestinian state as they contended that a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.

Some 140 countries have already recognized a Palestinian state, more than two-thirds of United Nations members barring the major Western countries. Now, this could put more pressure on the continental superpowers France and Germany to reconsider their position.

(With AP and Reuters inputs)