Ireland, Norway and Spain said they would formally recognise the State of Palestine on May 28.
Ireland, Spain and Norway announced on Wednesday that they would recognise a Palestinian state on May 28, saying they hoped other Western countries would follow suit against Israel .
“Today, Ireland, Norway, and Spain are announcing that we recognise the state of Palestine,” . It was announced by Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris at a press conference in Dublin.
Spain and its allies have spent months lobbying European nations, including France, Portugal, Belgium and Slovenia, to garner support for the recognition of a Palestinian state.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the move was aimed at accelerating efforts to secure a ceasefire in Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza.
“We hope that our recognition and our reasons contribute to other western countries to follow this path because the more we are, the more strength we will have to impose a ceasefire, to achieve the release of the hostages held by Hamas, to relaunch the political process that can lead to a peace agreement,” he said in a speech to the country’s lower house.
This decision has triggered a strong response from Israel. The Israeli government argues that this recognition rewards terrorism, referencing Hamas‘ attack on Israel on October 7.
In reaction, Israel is recalling its ambassadors from these countries for urgent consultations .
