Gaza, 22 May 2024, (GNP):Norway, Ireland, and Spain have made a historic decision to recognize a Palestinian state, sparking criticism from Israel and joy among the Palestinians. Israel responded by recalling its ambassadors from Norway and Ireland.
It was a lightning cascade of announcements on Wednesday. First was Norway, whose Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said “there cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition.”
Gahr Store said the Scandinavian country will officially recognise a Palestinian state as of May 28. “By recognising a Palestinian state, Norway supports the Arab peace plan,” he said.
Gahr Store announced that Norway will formally recognize a Palestinian state starting May 28, stating that this action aligns with Norway’s support for the Arab peace plan.
Following the lead of some European Union nations, Norway believes that a two-state solution is crucial for achieving lasting peace in the region. Although not an EU member, Norway often mirrors the EU’s actions and has consistently advocated for a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.
“Palestine has a fundamental right to an independent state,” the Norwegian government leader said.
This decision coincides with recent Israeli military actions in Gaza, where assaults on the northern and southern borders have triggered a mass displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. Additionally, the flow of aid has been severely restricted, heightening the risk of famine in the region.
The Scandinavian country “will therefore regard Palestine as an independent state with all the rights and obligations that entails,” Gahr Store said.
This development occurs over 30 years after the signing of the first Oslo agreement in 1993.
Since then, “the Palestinians have taken important steps towards a two-state solution,” the Norwegian government said.
It was stated that the World Bank confirmed in 2011 that a Palestinian state had fulfilled essential criteria for functioning as a state, with established national institutions capable of providing vital services to the population.
“The war in Gaza and the constant expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank still mean that the situation in Palestine is more difficult than it has been in decades,” the Norwegian government said.
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Historic and important day
On Wednesday, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris announced the coordinated move with Spain and Norway, describing it as a historic and significant moment for both Ireland and Palestine.
The decision aims to contribute to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a two-state solution. Harris expressed optimism that more countries would join Norway, Spain, and Ireland in recognizing a Palestinian state in the coming weeks.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also confirmed Spain’s recognition of a Palestinian state on May 28. Sanchez, who has been Spain’s Socialist leader since 2018, had been actively seeking support for this recognition, as well as for a potential ceasefire in Gaza, during his visits to European and Middle Eastern nations. Earlier, Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Albares had informed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken about their intention to recognize a Palestinian state.
These swift developments led to Israel’s condemnation, prompting Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz to recall Israel’s ambassadors from Ireland and Norway. Katz also warned of a similar action regarding Spain.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed Norway’s recognition, urging other nations to follow suit. Abbas believes that Norway’s decision reinforces the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and supports the pursuit of a two-state solution with Israel.
