MADRID: Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognized the Palestinian state on Tuesday in a coordinated decision slammed by Israel, more than seven months into the devastating Gaza bombardment. The three European countries believe their initiative has a strong symbolic impact that is likely to encourage others to follow suit, defying Israel which had condemned the plan.
The recognition initiative reflects a growing trend of international support for Palestinian statehood. Following Ireland’s formal approval of the measure, Prime Minister Simon Harris emphasized the importance of maintaining peace efforts in the region, urging Israel to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
“We had wanted to recognize Palestine at the end of a peace process. However, we have made this move alongside Spain and Norway to keep the miracle of peace alive,” he said in a statement, urging Israel to “stop the humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza.
As Norway’s recognition took effect, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide hailed the move as a significant step forward in Norway-Palestine relations. Similarly, Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares described the decision as historic, emphasizing its importance for peace and stability in the region.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez reiterated the country’s commitment to a two-state solution, emphasizing that the recognition was not intended to provoke Israel but rather to support the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. However, Israel has condemned the move, characterizing it as a “reward” for Hamas’s actions.
The decision to recognize Palestinian statehood underscores a broader shift within the international community towards supporting Palestinian rights and autonomy. With more than 145 of the United Nations’ 193 member states now recognizing Palestine, momentum for statehood continues to grow despite ongoing challenges and obstacles.
Meanwhile, the ongoing Israeli bombardment campaign in Gaza continues despite condemnation from around the world. The Gaza bombardment has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with Palestinian officials reporting over 36,096 deaths, mostly women and children.
In response to Israel’s criticism of the recognition move, Spain, Ireland, and Norway will also issue a joint firm response, emphasizing their commitment to peace and dialogue in the region. However, tensions between Israel and the recognizing countries remain high, with diplomatic repercussions and retaliatory measures being taken by both sides.
Recognizing Palestinian statehood has also provoked sharp disagreement within the 27-nation European Union.
For decades, formal recognition of a Palestinian state has been seen as the endgame of a negotiated peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Washington and most Western European nations have said they are willing to one day recognize Palestinian statehood, but not before agreement on thorny issues like the status of Jerusalem and final borders. The Gaza bloodshed has revived calls for Palestinians to be given their own state.
