Spain, Norway, and Ireland Recognize Palestinian State in Coordinated Diplomatic Move
Spain, Norway, and Ireland formally recognized a Palestinian state on Tuesday in a coordinated effort to increase international pressure on Israel amid its ongoing conflict in Gaza. This significant move by the three Western European nations aims to address the escalating humanitarian crisis and support the pursuit of peace.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the decision in a televised address, stating, "This is a historic decision with a single goal: to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace." However, the move was met with swift condemnation from Israel. Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized Spain on X (formerly Twitter), accusing Sánchez's government of "being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes."
Following Spain's declaration, Ireland and Norway also formalized their recognition of Palestine. In Dublin, the Palestinian flag was raised outside Leinster House, the Irish parliament's seat. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris emphasized the importance of this gesture, stating, "This sends a signal to the world that there are practical actions to keep the hope of a two-state solution alive." Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide echoed this sentiment, calling the recognition "a milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine."
The diplomatic move comes against the backdrop of a grinding conflict in Gaza, which began after a Hamas-led attack on October 7. Israel's response has resulted in significant casualties and widespread devastation. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, Israel's air and land attacks have killed 36,000 Palestinians, a figure that includes both combatants and civilians.
The recognition of Palestine by these three nations adds to the list of over 140 countries that have taken similar steps. This collective action is likely to increase pressure on major EU nations like France and Germany to reconsider their stance. Ireland's Foreign Minister Micheál Martin noted a growing discussion on potential sanctions against Israel within the EU, while Prime Minister Harris advocated for economic sanctions, stating, "Europe could be doing a hell of a lot more."
Norway, which is not an EU member but often aligns with EU policies, handed diplomatic papers to the Palestinian government ahead of its formal recognition. The move aligns with a broader international push to address the humanitarian crisis and support the Palestinian Authority, which lost control of Gaza to Hamas in 2007.
The announcement has strained relations between the EU and Israel, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell supporting the International Criminal Court's efforts to seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other leaders, including those from Hamas.
Sánchez emphasized that Spain's decision was not against Israel, but a step towards peace. He called for a permanent ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the release of hostages held by Hamas since the October attack. He also outlined a vision for a Palestinian state connecting the West Bank and Gaza, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Norway’s Barth Eide lamented the lack of constructive engagement from the Israeli government, while reinforcing the recognition as support for moderate forces in both countries. The Western-backed Palestinian Authority continues to advocate for a two-state solution, managing parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank and cooperating with Israel on security matters.
This recognition marks a significant diplomatic shift and underscores the ongoing global debate over the best path to peace in the Middle East.
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