OSLO: Ireland, Spain, and Norway have announced to recognize Palestine as an independent state next week in a coordinated move by the three countries.
Taking on X, Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin announced that Ireland’s recognition of a Palestinian state will be formally enacted on May 28.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris called it “a historic and important day for Ireland and Palestine.”
The Irish premier said the move was intended to help produce a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a two-state solution, calling it the only credible path to peace and security for Israel, Palestine and their peoples.
In a separate development, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also announced that his country will recognize the state of Palestine on May 28.
“We are going to recognize Palestine for many reasons and we can sum that up in three words – peace, justice, and consistency,” Spanish Prime Minister said during a speech which received applause in parliament.
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“We have to make sure that the two-state solution is respected and there must be mutual guarantees of security. It is essential that the two sides negotiate for peace and it is for this reason that we recognize Palestine,” he said.
Norway will recognize an independent Palestinian state in the hope that this will help to bring peace with Israel, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said on Wednesday.
Addressing a press conference, the Norwegian Prime Minister said, “In the middle of a war, with tens of thousands of dead and injured, we must keep alive the only thing that can provide a safe home for both Israelis and Palestinians: two states that can live in peace with each other.”
International media reported that European Union members Slovenia and Malta have also indicated in recent weeks that they plan to make the recognition, arguing a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.
Some 143 out of 193 member-states of the United Nations have already recognized a Palestinian state.
The moves come as Israeli forces have led assaults on the northern and southern edges of the Gaza Strip in May, causing a new exodus of hundreds of thousands of people, and sharply restricting the flow of aid, raising the risk of famine.