Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced their intention to recognize an independent Palestinian state, as of May 28, while Israel issued instructions to recall its ambassadors in Madrid, Oslo, and Dublin, for immediate consultation following the announcement of the step, which the Palestinian Authority and Hamas welcomed.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said on Wednesday that Norway will recognize a Palestinian state on May 28, adding that his country believes that the two-state solution is in Israel’s interest, noting that recognizing Palestine is “a way to support the moderate forces that have lost their influence in this long, brutal conflict.”
He stressed that the decision sends a strong message to other countries to follow the example of Norway and a number of European countries in recognizing a Palestinian state, adding that this may ultimately lead to resuming the process towards achieving the two-state solution and giving it new momentum.
He considered that the ongoing war in Gaza “made it clear that achieving peace and stability must be based on resolving the Palestinian issue,” stressing that the only alternative that provides a political solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike must be maintained, which is “two states living side by side in peace.” And security.”
Ireland: More countries will join us
In Dublin, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said that his country recognizes a Palestinian state, expressing his confidence that “more countries will join us in this step, in the coming weeks.”
He considered the step to be “the right decision to take.”
An informed source said that the Irish government would announce on Wednesday its recognition of a Palestinian state. The Irish government said that recognition would complete peace efforts and support the two-state solution, adding that the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister would speak to the media on Wednesday morning, but did not give details.
Spain: Netanyahu endangers the two-state solution
In Madrid, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that his country will recognize a Palestinian state on May 28. Sanchez told the Spanish representatives, “Next Tuesday, May 28, Spain will approve in the Council of Ministers the recognition of the Palestinian state.”
Sanchez accused his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, of “endangering” the two-state solution in the Middle East through his policy of “suffering and destruction” in the Gaza Strip.
Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and Malta, member states of the European Union, have indicated in recent weeks that they intend to recognize a Palestinian state, likely in a coordinated declaration, considering that the two-state solution is necessary for lasting peace in the region.
Since 1988, the Palestinian state has been recognized by 139 of the 193 member states of the United Nations.
Israel summons ambassadors
In turn, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced that he had issued instructions to return the Israeli ambassadors from Spain, Ireland and Norway to Israel for consultations immediately.
Katz said: “Today I am sending a clear and firm message: Israel will not tolerate anyone who undermines its sovereignty and puts its security at risk,” he said.
He considered the move tantamount to “giving a prize to Hamas and Iran and recognizing a Palestinian state.” He described the move as “crooked”, claiming that it distances the possibility of peace and calls into question Israel’s right to defend itself.
In turn, extremist Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that he had submitted a request to Netanyahu to stop transferring Palestinian clearance funds to Norway.
Smotrich called for an immediate meeting of the Settlement Planning Council in the West Bank to approve 10,000 housing units in the area classified as E1.
Palestinian welcome
The Palestinian Authority and Hamas welcomed the decision, and the Palestinian Authority said in a statement, “This step reflects Spain’s keenness to support the Palestinian people and their inalienable and legitimate rights to their land and homeland,” and urged the countries of the world to recognize the State of Palestine and the two-state solution.
The Hamas statement said, “We welcome the announcement by Norway, Ireland, and Spain of recognition of the State of Palestine, and we consider it an important step on the path to establishing our right to our land and establishing our independent Palestinian state.”
Hamas leader Bassem Naim told Al-Sharq that European countries’ recognition of the State of Palestine is a “historic turning point” in the file of the Palestinian issue at the international level in general and the European level in particular, in reference to the step taken by Norway, Ireland and Spain.
Naim added: “This will certainly encourage many countries to recognize Palestine as an independent state.”
He continued: “On behalf of Hamas and the Palestinian people in the homeland and the diaspora, we extend our thanks for the political courage shown by these countries, despite the great pressure from the Zionist entity and its supporters around the world.”
European countries’ dealings with the issue vary. Some countries, such as Sweden, recognized a Palestinian state a decade ago, while France does not intend to recognize it unless it represents an effective tool for making progress towards peace, she said.
These steps coincide with Israeli forces launching attacks on the northern and southern edges of the Gaza Strip, which caused a new mass displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and led to a sharp reduction in the flow of aid. Which increases the risk of famine.
The Arab League: a brave step
In turn, Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, praised the recognition of the State of Palestine by Norway, Ireland and Spain, describing it as a “courageous” step and a positive development.
Aboul Gheit said, in his account on the “X” platform: “I highly welcome the important step that Norway, Ireland and Spain have decided to take to recognize the State of Palestine.”
He continued: “I salute and thank the three countries for this step that puts them on the right side of history in this conflict.”
The Secretary-General of the Arab League called on the rest of the countries that have not yet recognized the Palestinian state to “imitate the three countries in their courageous, principled step.”
France: Conditions are not suitable
French Foreign Minister Stephane Ségornet said on Wednesday that recognizing the State of Palestine is “not prohibited” for France, but Paris considers that the conditions are not present “now for this decision to have an actual impact” on the process aimed at establishing two states.
He stressed in a written statement to Agence France-Presse, “A decision like this must be useful, that is, allow for decisive progress to be recorded on the political level. In this context, this decision must occur at the appropriate time” to make a difference.
Sigourney, who received his Israeli counterpart, Yisrael Katz, on Wednesday morning, said, “This is not just a matter of symbolism or political positioning, but rather a diplomatic tool that harnesses the solution of two states that exist side by side in peace and security.”
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