Norway, Spain, and Ireland to Officially Recognize Palestinian Statehood
The declaration led Israel to recall its ambassadors from the three European countries – Norway, Spain, and Ireland.
On May 22, Norway, Spain, and Ireland announced their formal recognition of a Palestinian state, causing Israel to immediately recall its ambassadors. The formal recognition is scheduled for May 28, as stated by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
Norwegian Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Store, emphasized the importance of two states living in peace amid the ongoing conflict. Similarly, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s lack of a peace plan for Palestine and the impact of the Israeli offensive in Gaza on the two-state solution.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris expressed hope for other nations to recognize Palestine and stressed the importance of peace for future generations. Ireland also called for the release of hostages held by Hamas and humanitarian access to Gaza.
Israel Threatens ‘Severe Consequences’
Israel responded to the declarations by recalling its ambassadors to Norway, Ireland, and Spain on May 22. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized the European countries for undermining Israel’s sovereignty and endangering its security, warning of severe consequences if other countries followed suit.
Israel vowed to continue its efforts to restore security, dismantle Hamas, and bring the hostages home. Sweden was the first EU member to recognize a Palestinian state in 2014, followed by several other European countries over the years.
Rethinking Oslo Approach
Norway, a key player in the peace talks of the 1990s, led the recent declarations. After the Oslo Accords failed to achieve lasting peace, Norway and other European countries are now advocating for a new approach towards a two-state solution, recognizing the state of Palestine as a step forward.
