Three Countries Recognize Palestine as a Sovereign State

On May 22nd, the governments of three countries—Norway, Ireland, and Spain—announced their recognition of Palestine as an independent state. In response to this move, Israel recalled its ambassadors from Ireland and Norway for consultations.

According to "Vedomosti," the Norwegian government emphasized that recognizing Palestine as a state reflects the country's stance, which asserts that "a lasting solution to the conflict in the Middle East can only be achieved through a two-state solution."

"Amidst the war, with tens of thousands killed and injured, we must uphold the only alternative offering a political solution to both Israelis and Palestinians: two states coexisting peacefully and securely," quotes the Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The Prime Minister of Spain also confirmed Spain's recognition of Palestine as a state. The official decisions of the countries will come into effect on May 28, 2024.

It is also reported that Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris expressed confidence that other states will join this decision in the coming days. According to the Irish Prime Minister, Dublin, Oslo, and Madrid will take "any necessary national steps to implement this decision."

The Palestinian National Administration hailed the decisions of Norway, Ireland, and Spain as contributions to realizing the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and implementing the two-state initiative.

Meanwhile, Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that the actions of Norway, Ireland, and Spain "undermine Israel's sovereignty and threaten its security." In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Jewish state decided to recall ambassadors from Ireland and Norway.