Norway, Ireland, and Spain on Wednesday formally announced that they would recognize the state of Palestine on May 28, 2024, to promote the two-state resolution that is widely seen as the only hope of ensuring long-term peace in the Middle East region. The decision drew condemnation from Israel and celebration from Palestinians.
Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre explained the move in a press release, stating that with tens of thousands of casualties occurring in the ongoing conflict, maintaining the sole viable option for a political solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike—”two states, living side by side, in peace and security.”
Similarly, Ireland’s Prime Minister Simon Harris said that a two-state solution is the way to advance a resolution. “We believe that recognition will contribute to peace and reconciliation in the Middle East,” Harris said. “The recognition of both Israeli and Palestinian states is the cornerstone of peace in the region to create a peaceful future.”
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez informed Spain’s parliament today that the country’s council of ministers would recognize an independent Palestinian state on May 28.
In a statement posted on X along with his video speaking at the parliament, Sanchez wrote, “It is now time to transition from words to action. Peace, justice, and coherence are the foundation of our historic decision.”
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded with a furious video message to Dublin on social media, warning that recognizing a Palestinian state could have unintended consequences. The message stated that such a move could potentially transform Dublin into a “pawn in the hands of Iran and Hamas.”
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, ordered the immediate recall of Israel’s ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations and said that Israel would “summon” the three countries’ ambassadors to watch a video of the kidnapping of female Israeli soldiers on October 7.
“The Irish-Norwegian folly does not deter us. We are determined to achieve our goals: restoring security to our citizens, dismantling Hamas, and bringing the hostages home. There are no more just causes than these,” Katz asserted.