Norway, Ireland, and Spain to Recognize Palestine: A Peaceful Move

In a significant diplomatic move, the leaders of Norway, Ireland, and Spain have announced that their countries will formally recognize Palestine as a state next week, aiming to foster peace in the Middle East. This decision has already prompted Israel to recall its envoys in protest.

Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store emphasized that the official recognition would take effect on May 28. “In the midst of a war, with tens of thousands killed and injured in Gaza, we must keep alive the only alternative that offers a political solution for Palestinians.

Gahr Store highlighted that recognizing Palestine is a strategy to strengthen moderate forces that have been sidelined in the enduring and violent conflict. He expressed hope that this recognition could rejuvenate efforts toward the solution, providing new momentum to the peace process.

“There cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition,” he asserted, underlining the necessity of acknowledging Palestinian statehood as a foundation for lasting peace.

The recognition by Norway, Ireland, and Spain comes at a time when the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has escalated, with heavy casualties and widespread devastation in Gaza. By recognizing Palestine, these European nations aim to signal their support for a peaceful resolution and encourage negotiations based on mutual recognition and respect.

This move has sparked immediate reactions from Israel, which has withdrawn its envoys from these countries. The recognition is seen as a challenge to Israel’s stance on the conflict and its approach to Palestinian statehood.