Ireland, Spain and Norway have announced plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state next week, in a move that is likely to bolster the global Palestinian cause but further strain relations between Europe and Israel.
The three European nations say their landmark decision is the best way to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East, but it sparked swift condemnation from Israel, as its foreign minister ordered the immediate recall of its ambassadors from those countries.
Most of the world already recognizes Palestinian statehood. More than 140 out of 193 member states of the United Nations have made their recognition official. But only some nations in the 27-member European Union are among them.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris told a Wednesday news conference in Dublin: “Today, Ireland, Norway and Spain are announcing that we recognize the state of Palestine. Each of us will now undertake whatever national steps are necessary to give effect to that decision.”
The recognition will come into force in all three countries on May 28, Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin said.
Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said that a Palestinian state was “a prerequisite for achieving peace in the Middle East.”
“There will be no peace in the Middle East without a two-state solution,” Støre said in a statement. “There can be no two-state solution without a Palestinian state.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez sought to characterize the decision as one that was not anti-Israel.
“This recognition is not against the people of Israel and certainly not against the Jewish people,” he said. “It’s not in favor of Hamas. It’s in favor of co-existence.”
Additionally, the decision by Norway, Spain, and Ireland highlights the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. By recognizing Palestinian statehood, these countries signal a shift towards a more balanced approach in their foreign policies. They acknowledge the importance of addressing Palestinian grievances to achieve a comprehensive peace settlement.
The Palestinian State Recognition by these nations also reflects a broader trend of international support for Palestinian rights and sovereignty. This support could lead to increased diplomatic and economic assistance for Palestine, further bolstering its quest for statehood. As more countries join this movement, the prospects for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East may improve significantly.
read more
image source
