Ireland, Norway, Spain to recognize Palestinian State

New Delhi, May 22: Ireland, Norway, and Spain have announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state. Norway and Spain indicated that the recognition will take effect by May 28.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared that Spain would officially recognise the state of Palestine on May 28. In Ireland, Prime Minister Simon Harris confirmed that Ireland will also recognise a Palestinian state.

In response, Israel criticised the plans as a "distorted step." The Israeli foreign ministry warned that the move could "fuel extremism and instability," and has recalled its envoys to Norway and Ireland.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre confirmed Norway's decision, highlighting that this coordinated effort with Spain and Ireland sends a "strong" message. Støre emphasised that recognising a Palestinian state supports the viability of a two-state solution: "Two states, living side-by-side, in peace and security." He urged other nations to follow Norway's example.

This decision aligns with Norway's long-standing support for a two-state solution, demonstrated by its pivotal role in the 1993 Oslo Accords, which enabled limited self-rule for the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Gaza.

In November, Norway's parliament, the Storting, passed a resolution urging the government to recognize Palestine as a state. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide highlighted the importance of addressing the Gaza conflict through "an irreversible path towards a settlement," noting that state recognition is a strategic tool, not an end goal. He clarified that Norway aims for a Palestinian state led by the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas.

Currently, over 140 United Nations member states recognize Palestinian statehood, although key countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom do not. Israel's foreign ministry has condemned Norway's decision, warning it could "fuel extremism and instability," and has recalled its envoys to Norway and Ireland in response. Palestine has held non-member observer state status at the UN General Assembly since 2012.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has just announced that his country will recognise the state of Palestine on 28 May.

Meanwhile in Ireland, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris says the country will recognise a Palestinian state.