Ireland, Norway, and Spain to Recognize State of Palestine

Three European countries — Ireland, Norway, and Spain — announced earlier today that they would recognize the State of Palestine.

In a news release, Irish Tánaiste Micheál Martin announced the recognition will officially take effect on May 28, and stated his country’s support for a two-state solution:

The decision yesterday by Government to recognise the State of Palestine, which will formally take effect on 28 May, is a historic moment for Ireland. It is a clear and immutable statement of our deeply-held belief that there can be no peace in the Middle East until the Israeli and Palestinian peoples alike enjoy the same rights to self-determination, statehood, peace, security and dignity.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also announced his country’s policy supporting a two-state solution, stating in a press release today:

The Norwegian Government has decided that Norway will recognise Palestine as a state. In the midst of a war, with tens of thousands killed and injured, we must keep alive the only alternative that offers a political solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike: Two states, living side by side, in peace and security.

And Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced Spain would also recognize the state of Palestine on May 28, stating on X:

Echoing the majority sentiment of the Spanish people, next Tuesday, May 28, Spain will approve the recognition of the State of Palestine in the Council of Ministers. The time has come to move from words to action. For peace, justice and coherence.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa welcomed the recognition, and called on the rest of the world to recognize Palestine as well:

PM Mustafa welcomes announcements from Spain, Ireland, and Norway on recognition of State of #Palestine. He calls on the rest of world countries to recognize the State of Palestine. @IrlRepRamallah @NorwayPalestine @SpainMFA

However, said Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, the countries now recognizing Palestine are rewarding Hamas:

This morning I went up to the Temple Mount, the holiest place for the people of Israel and which belongs only to the State of Israel. I made it clear: the countries that recognized a Palestinian state this morning want to give a reward to the kidnappers of the female observers and their many supporters in Gaza — we will not allow any surrender that would even include a declaration of a Palestinian state. Hamas must be totally annihilated.