GlobalWide News
Spain, Norway, and Ireland have jointly recognized a Palestinian state, aiming to exert international pressure on Israel amidst its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. This coordinated move by the three Western European nations seeks to support peace efforts between Israelis and Palestinians. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the decision as historic, emphasizing its goal to promote peace.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, criticized the recognition, accusing Spain of complicity in war crimes. The decision followed a joint announcement the previous week, with Ireland raising the Palestinian flag outside its parliament. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris emphasized the importance of practical actions to sustain the two-state solution.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide hailed the recognition as a milestone in Norway’s long-standing support for a Palestinian state. The move by these European countries adds to the international recognition of Palestine, pressuring major Western powers and the EU to reconsider their positions.
Relations between the EU and Israel have deteriorated, with calls for sanctions against Israel for its actions in Gaza. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, supports the International Criminal Court’s pursuit of an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ongoing conflict, triggered by a Hamas attack in October, has resulted in significant casualties, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting 36,000 Palestinian deaths.
Spain’s Prime Minister Sánchez reiterated that the recognition is not against Israel but aims to support a peaceful resolution. He called for a cease-fire, increased humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Sánchez envisions a Palestinian state with the West Bank and Gaza connected via a corridor and East Jerusalem as its capital.
Norway’s Barth Eide criticized the Israeli government for its lack of constructive engagement, emphasizing the recognition as support for moderate forces. The Palestinian Authority, which lost control of Gaza to Hamas in 2007, administers parts of the West Bank and cooperates with Israel on security matters, advocating for a negotiated two-state solution.
The recognition by Spain, Norway, and Ireland represents a significant step in the Palestinian efforts for statehood, potentially influencing other European nations to follow suit. The conflict remains unresolved, with no substantial peace negotiations in over 15 years.
