Spain, Norway, and Ireland have announced formal recognition of a Palestinian state, with Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez calling it “the only route to peace” in the Middle East.
The recognition is seen as a major boost to the Palestinian cause, with 144 countries already having recognized Palestine.
The Spanish cabinet’s decision was hailed as “a matter of historical justice” by Sanchez, who emphasized that the move aims to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace. He reiterated that the Palestinian state must be viable, with the West Bank and Gaza connected by a corridor and East Jerusalem as its capital.
Norway’s recognition took effect on Tuesday, with Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stating that it marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine. Ireland is expected to follow suit, with Prime Minister Simon Harris describing it as a “practical action” to keep the hope of a two-state solution alive.
However, the move has drawn strong condemnation from Israel, with Foreign Minister Israel Katz accusing Spain’s Sanchez of being a “partner to incitement” of Jewish “genocide”. Israel has recalled its ambassadors from Spain, Norway, and Ireland in response.
The recognition by the three European countries has widened the disagreement with Israel over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While some EU states, including Sweden, Cyprus, Hungary, and others, have already recognized Palestine, others like Germany and the US have rejected a unilateral approach, emphasizing the need for dialogue.
